Are there any early signs for Alzheimer's disease?

As you grow older, it is a normal phenomenon to become a little absentminded and forget things easily.  Most people consider forgetfulness and impaired memory as a sign of growing old, however is it just that or could it be a warning sign of a more serious concern?  Let us dwell into this subject and take you through a common disease that is associated with the brain known as the alzheimer’s disease. 

What you should know about the disease

Alzheimer’s disease known to be a progressive disease that cannot be reversed and as the condition graduates, it slowly deteriorates a person’s memory power and thinking ability.  In this condition your brain is affected to such a large extent that eventually you would depend on others to carry out the simplest of the tasks as well.  In majority of the people the signs start to show up in the mid 60’s however it is not a definitive age and people may get the disease early or even later.  There are growing instances of this disease and it is almost one of the leading diseases that can cause death.

In case of alzheimer’s there is a primary degeneration of the brain cells that takes place and this happens in various stages.

Stage 1:  Early Stage:  In some cases, alzheimer’s may show up early for individuals leading to symptoms like forgetfulness, absent mindedness, lack of communication abilities and changes in behavior.  When you notice these early signs of alzheimer’s, you should speak to your family or doctor about it rather than shying away from it.  Early detection of the disease can really help in managing the symptoms better.

Stage 2:  Middle Stage:  In this stage there is a larger amount of deterioration that takes place affecting your cognitive and functional skill.  Memory continues to worsen, however there is some amount of awareness.  People in this stage may still be able to do most of their routine chores independently with little or no assistance.

Stage 3: Late Stage:  The later or the more advanced stage of Alzheimer’s disease is a rather severe stage wherein communication verbally also may be a challenge.  Once you reach this stage you are almost dependent on others for all your needs and you may require constant support and care.  At this stage the family members must equip the patient with adequate care and support to maintain a certain quality of life.

Alzheimer’s and Dementia

Dementia is a medical condition wherein one loses complete cognitive functioning including memory, reasoning and the ability to think. The condition impairs the patient to such an extent that everyday chores and activities are also a challenge. Dementia is not really a disease but a state that is reached by the mind due to symptoms. Almost 60 to 80 percent of the cases of Dementia are caused due to alzheimer’s disease.

Early signs of Alzheimer’s you should know about

Alzheimer’s as a disease is not only disturbing for the patient but also for the loved ones caring for the patient.  The disease is not only impairing but also causes a lot of burden emotionally.  One question everyone has on their mind when they see either themselves or their loved ones suffering is - did we miss any signs or symptoms? Had we known earlier, could the disease be prevented had we seen the symptoms earlier?  Well, the answer is that yes early signs and symptoms are available of this disease. Following are some of the early signs that can help you notice the disease early and prevent the same from deteriorating and hampering the quality of life.

•  Loss of memory:  One of the most prominent symptoms of the alzheimer’s is loss of memory. Generally people suffering from alzheimer’s are likely to forget recent incidents and recently learned information. Other than this one also tends to forget important dates, events and other relevant information.

•  Thinking challenges:  Persons suffering from the early symptoms of alzheimer’s are unable to think and reason clearly as they were able to do before the disease started showing symptoms.  They have greater challenge in focussing and take longer time in completing simplest of the tasks.

•  Mind is in a state of confusion:  Persons suffering from the alzheimer’s disease are often confused as their mind is unable to decipher simple information such as place, time etc.  There are times when they are not able to relate happenings and may even forget simple information like how did they reach a particular place from another place.

•  Difficulty in analyzing visual images:  Some patients find it difficult to read, judge distances and are unable to distinguish colors. Parking and driving is often a challenge for such people.

•  Problem in verbal communication:  If you have symptoms wherein you are unable to remember words while talking and find communication in general difficult as your mind forgets while having a conversation; it could be an early sign of alzheimer’s disease.

•  Forgetting and losing things:  It is very common for people suffering from alzheimer’s disease to easily forget where they have placed important things like their phone or keys.  It is one thing to forget things as a one off case; however an alzheimer's patient does it way too often.  They keep their things in unusual places and are then unable to trace them back.

•  Mood changes:  People suffering from symptoms of alzheimer’s can get depressed easily.  They are confused, scared and anxious even when it comes to do everyday chores.  Such people can get upset easily at home or at the workplace. 

Whether you are experiencing these symptoms or a loved one is they need urgent and immediate medical attention and under no circumstances should they be ignored.  Alzheimer’s is an irreversible condition but with timely medical intervention and alternative therapies a lot can done to improve the quality of life which will otherwise suffer.  In the later stages alzheimer’s can affect the memory to such a large extent that one can even forget whether they have eaten or used the washroom which can be very depressing and devastating. There are a number of support groups that can help patients suffering from alzheimer’s. In case you or your loved one needs to seek help from such groups, the same should be facilitated to deal with the disease better.

What are the Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder?

Humans can become a victim of a variety of mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder, depression, schizophrenia, cyclothymic disorder, anxiety, an eating disorder, and alcohol abuse. It is becoming a commonality across the nation.

Of these numerous mental illnesses, bipolar disorder is one of the most common conditions which is chronic and may cause a severe distress to the patients often impairing their mental abilities and adversely impacting their health and other various aspects of life.

Mental Illness Reports

●     Almost 10 million American adults (1 in 25) are crippled by mental illnesses, such as a psychotic disorder, a serious mood disorder, or an anxiety disorder.

●     A 2015 Centers for Disease Controland Prevention (CDC) report says 41,149 US citizens fell prey to suicide in 2013, which is the largest in number since studies have began.

●     The economic burden of mental illnesses in the US reached a whopping $467 billion in the year 2012.

●     A study shows nearly 2.9% of the US population is diagnosed with bipolar disorder, and more than three fourths of the cases are severe.

Knowing Bipolar Disorder

Knowing your disease is the first step towards recovery. If you can express how you are feeling, you are more likely to visit your doctor and talk about the difficulties you are facing.

Bipolar disorder, previously called manic-depressive disorder, is a chronic mental illness characterized by severe mood swings with alternating periods of emotional highs and lows.

●     An individual can have feelings of euphoria, elevated creativity, and high energy levels. This state is called mania. In a manic state, some patients can lose touch with their reality. In another mild form of mania, the patient can experience all the symptoms of mania but still has sense of reality. This state is called hypomania.

●     Things never get done: Utilizing all the energy and creativity obtained during the manic phase of the condition, a person with Bipolar Disorder may start a thousand tasks at a time but fails to complete even a single one.

●     Emotional lows, or depressive symptoms, are an inseparable phase of bipolar disorder. The depressive symptoms can be similar to those seen in patients with depression alone.

●     The inability to concentrate, irritability, enhanced or lost self-image, sleep problems, and other mood changes can wreak havoc on an individual’s performance at school or in the office.

●     Alcohol abuse is common in patients with this mooddisorder, which in turn may deteriorate other symptoms of the condition.

When to Ask for Help

The sooner you ask for help, the greater the chances will be to reach a full recovery. It is important to contact doctors if you have any questions or concerns, as they are trained not only to treat your disorder, but to help you when you are confused. For specialized care through the top psychiatrists in your area.

Related: What Medications Best Treat Bipolar Disorder?

Alternative Therapy Approaches for Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a chronic mental illness of complex origin. Scientists have not yet been able to find the exact cause behind this debilitating and often disabling disorder. Bipolar disorder is thought to only a occur due to a combination of causes that can relate to genetics, fluctuations in brain chemicals, or abnormal hormone levels. However, any stressful event such as death of a loved one, unemployment, or even mental or physical abuse can also trigger episodes for this condition. 

Reasons Why Medication is Not Enough

The lack of concrete causes and variable disease presentations make bipolar disorder difficult to treat. The treatment approaches can vary depending on the severity of the symptoms, the individual characteristics of the disorder, the response to medications, and your doctor's judgment. However, a collaborative effort between the patient, family members, and doctors is the best approach.

Bipolar disorder is best treated with trial and error approaches. This is because your doctor does not have a definitive form of treatment, as all patients with bipolar disorder respond to different treatments differently. Your doctor may ask you to stick with certain medications for a few months while he or she observes your response, and then from there he or she will decide possible treatment options for you. Your doctor may also decide to modify or switch treatment, depending on how you react.

Remember, these alternative approaches should never be used to replace medications. Bipolar patients are strictly advised to use any alternative approaches only after confirming with their doctors or psychiatrist.

What are your options?

Let’s discuss some non-drug approaches that you can go over with your doctor during your appointment:

●     Psychotherapy: Also known as talk therapy, this approach utilizes the benefits of talking between you and your psychologist. For bipolar disorder, psychotherapy helps you discover ways to identify and avoid triggers, and modify your response to the identified triggers. It also attempts to prolong the “normal” phase of bipolar disorder and maintain harmonious relation between you and your family members. You can also discuss with your doctor about a form of psychotherapy called cognitive behavioral therapy.

Click here to find the best psychologist and psychiatrist near you.

●     Supplements and Herbs: Supplements like omega-3-fatty acids and St. John’s wort have shown to be beneficial in some cases. If you are thinking of using any of them, consult with your doctor first. Be sure to discuss any possible interaction between the medications for bipolar disorder and the supplements.

(Do not take St. John’s wort with antidepressant medications as using them together can lead to a serious condition called Serotonin syndrome. Learn more here)

●     Lifestyle modifications: Lifestyle changes do not necessarily treat your symptoms but will surely help you lead a healthy life. Ask your doctor if a particular diet or exercise is beneficial to you.

●     Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT): In electroconvulsive therapy, electric shocks are passed through your brain. This is by far the last resort for treating a variety of psychiatric disorders that do not respond to other treatments. It is also called Shock therapy. A clear discussion (with your doctor) about the risks, inclusion criteria and potential benefits can help you decide if you are a candidate for this. 

What Next?

Remember not to use any alternative therapy on your own. Be sure to discuss everything fully with your doctor, and let him or her help contribute to your decision.  

If you still have any queries or want to talk to the best doctors and psychiatrists near you, click here.