What's New in Medicine:

April 2008 - The 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer's

Recently, the Alzheimer's Society has focused on ten warning signs for dementia, specifically Alzheimer's.  This can prove to be very helpful in differentiating both the concerns of whether or not your memory loss is normal, or at least what we define today as normal aging, or truly an early or moderate symptoms of Alzheimer's.  As we age, most of us do experience a decrease in our memory function.  Subtle decreases are presently being accepted as part of the normal aging process.  It still remains to be determined if this is truly the case, but further research is clearly necessary to address this issue.  For now, a gradual progressive decline of memory, thinking and reasoning skills that results in difficulties with continuing to perform normal daily tasks is abnormal and requires you to see your physician or healthcare professional.  The most common cause of dementia in the United States is Alzheimer's dementia, but all declines in memory are not related to dementia from Alzheimer's.  They may be from another form of dementia (for example, frontotemporal dementia), or they may actually be from an abnormality in thyroid function, depression, or some other medical disorder. 

The common symptoms that can help you to recognize the signs of dementia, specifically Alzheimer's, include:

1. Memory loss.
2. Difficulty performing familiar tasks.
3. Problems with language.
4. Disorientation to time and place.
5. Poor or decreased judgment.
6. Problems with abstract thinking.
7. Displacing things.
8. Changes in mood or behavior.
9. Changes in personality.
10. Loss of initiative. 

 So, what is the difference with regard to the symptoms of dementia verse normal aging ?

1. Forgetting a whole experience is more consistent with dementia.  Forgetting part of an experience is more consistent with normal aging. 
2. Rarely able to recall recent information is more consistent with Alzheimer's.  Occasionally having difficulty with recalling recent events is normal at any age. 
3. Noticing the inability to write or follow written or spoken directions properly is very concerning.  Also, in this situation, the differentiation of a potential underlying stroke may explain this, especially if it is acute in onset.  Although, it is not unusual for people to have some trouble correctly following  written or spoken directions, especially if there is a series of several directions that can be somewhat confusing, such as having to get from point A to B with a lot of right and left turns.  This can be completely normal. 
4. Finding that even with the use of notes you are unable to correctly obtain the items desired is often an early sign of dementia.  Using notes to remember what you need to do for the day or using a checklist is perfectly normal at any age. 
5. Having difficulty performing normal daily tasks of living or being unable to care for yourself is a significant medical disorder. Many times it is accompanied by some of the above concerns related to early dementia. You should always be able to care for yourself and obtain your basic daily needs without the assistance of others.  Any variance from this is highly suspicious of an underlying medical concern and needs appropriate attention from medical personnel. 

You can find more detailed information in many different sources, but a very good source is the Alzheimer's Association.  I direct you to the website www.alz.org or to call 1-800-278-3900 to obtain more information on this very important and concerning disease.  We will be addressing dementias’ and how to diagnosis, and treat these disorders  using both pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic methods in future What's New Articles and in the upcoming Newsletters. 

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