Dementia (‎דמנציה ) in the elderly: Is it caused by Alzheimer's disease?

 Compare with normal age-related change: Occasionally misplaced objects but can be traced back later.

8- Decreased ability to judge or judge poorly

People with Alzheimer's may experience changes in their judgment and decision-making.  For example, they may underestimate when dealing with money problems, like handing out large sums of money to telemarketers.  They also pay little attention to dressing properly or keeping themselves clean.

 Compare to normal age-related change: Sometimes bad decisions are made.

9- Retire from work or social activities

People with Alzheimer's may begin to withdraw themselves from hobbies, social activities, work projects or sports.  They don't keep up with their favorite sports team or remember how to exercise a hobby.  They also avoid participating in social activities due to the changes they experience.  They also avoid social activities due to the changes they experience.

 Compare with normal age-related change: Feeling frustrated at times with work, family or social obligations

10- Mood and personality change

 The person's mood and personality may change.  They become confused, suspicious, depressed, scared or anxious.  They can be easily upset at home, at work, with friends, or in places where they are not comfortable.

 Compare with normal age-related change: Create a unique way to do things and become irritable when habits are hindered.
 

III- Why must check early symstom of Alzheimer's disease?

 If you notice that you or someone you know exhibits any of the 10 warning signs of Alzheimer's disease, don't ignore it.  Make an appointment with your doctor.

 With Alzheimer's early diagnosis, people can:

 Benefit from existing therapies - Alzheimer's treatments can reduce symptoms, helping people stay energized for longer.  Patients may also have more opportunities to participate in clinical drug trials to further research and provide better understanding of the disease.

More time to plan for the future - Alzheimer's early diagnosis allows families to discuss and plan care;  transport;  choose a way of life;  discuss financial and legal issues;  balance between work and patient care obligations.

Get effective help and support - Available care and support will give people with Alzheimer's and their families the best possible lives possible.

IV- Behaviors of Alzheimer's patients

Alzheimer's disease causes changes in the brain that lead to changes in the patient's behavior.  Some people with Alzheimer's have become confused or anxious.  Others misunderstand what they see or hear.  It is important to understand that the person who is ill does not act that way on purpose and does not intentionally disturb you.

These challenging behaviors can interfere with everyday life, have trouble sleeping, and lead to moods of disappointment and stress.  The keys to dealing with these behaviors are: 1) identifying triggers 2) being patient and reacting calmly and positively 3) finding ways to stop these behaviors in the first place.

1- Easy to fight

 Aggressive behavior shown by words (shouting, calling names) or actions (hitting, pushing).  This behavior occurs suddenly, for no apparent reason, or it could be the result of anger.  Whatever the case, it is important to try to figure out what causes the sick person to become angry or upset.  Triggers for aggressive action may be health conditions, noisy environments, or pain.

2- Wander

 It is very common for people with memory impairments to wander and get lost.  They often have an intention or goal in mind, such as searching for a lost object, trying to resume the job they were done before or wanting to "go home" even when they are at home.  However, wandering can be dangerous, resulting in serious injury or death.  Keep your loved one safe and enroll in MedicAlert ® + Alzheimer's Association Safe Return ®, an identification program designed to help find the wandering and lost patient nationwide.  See the Safety Center for more information on roaming and other safety issues.

3- Confusion or anxiety

 The sick person feels confused, anxious, becomes restless and wants to move around or around.  The patient may be frustrated in certain places or focus on details.  They may also follow a certain caregiver to attract their attention and guidance.

 4- Confusion

 The sick person does not recognize familiar people, places, or objects.  They may forget relationships, call family members by different names, or mistake the location of the house.  They may also forget the intended use of familiar objects such as pens or forks.

 5- Illusion

 When someone's Alzheimer's has hallucinations, they see, hear, smell, taste, or feel something that isn't real.  The sick person can see the old friend's face in the curtains or hear people talking.  If the hallucination doesn't cause a problem, you can ignore it.  However, if hallucinations occur frequently, see your doctor to determine if the cause is underlying physical problems.

 6- Repeat

 People with Alzheimer's can say or do something over and over, like repeating a word, question, or action.  In most cases, they may be looking for a feeling of comfort, security, or familiarity.  They can also go back and forth or redo what has just been completed.  This behavior is rarely harmful to the sick person but can be stressful for caregivers.

7- Sunset syndrome and trouble sleeping

 The sick person may experience times when they are more confused, anxious and agitated than usual, starting at sunset and lasting all night.  This is called sunset syndrome.  Experts don't know what causes it, but there are many factors that can contribute to this behavior, like end-of-day exhaustion or a reduced need for sleep, which is very common among the elderly.

8- Suspicious

 Memory impairment and confusion can cause people with Alzheimer's to perceive things in unusual new ways.  The sick person suspects people around them, even accuses them of stealing, cheating or other indecent behavior.  Sometimes, the sick person misinterprets what they see and hear.