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.

Drugs That Cause Erectile Dysfunction

Taking prescription drugs usually have some form of side effect such as drowsiness, headaches, dry mouth, or upset stomach. Major side effects range from skin irritation to allergic reactions and anaphylactic shock. Erectile dysfunction (ED) is oftentimes overlooked as a possible side effect.

Erectile dysfunction affects as many as 30 million men. ED can result in anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and a decreased quality of life. It is important to know which drugs may cause these side effects, and consult a healthcare professional for possible alternatives.

ANTIDEPRESSANTS

Major depression can cause ED and it is estimated to have affected 16 million adults in 2012. Antidepressants are also used to treat anxiety disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder, and even long-term pain. One of the major forms of antidepressants, called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, is comprised of the drugs Celexa, Prozac, Zoloft, and Lexapro. It is still unclear as to how SSRIs cause erectile dysfunction, but it is estimated that up to sixty percent of people taking them may experience ED. Specialists suggest that it relates to the way the drugs influence function of the neurotransmitters serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine, all of which relate to feelings of well-being.

ANTIHISTAMINES

Millions suffer from allergies, but some of the most common drugs, such as Benadryl and Dramamine, may be causing erectile dysfunction as well. Though it’s unclear exactly how it causes ED, personal accounts of its effects suggest that it could alter the way men’s nervous systems react to stimulation around the penis. It also seems to be temporary, with sensation coming back gradually after stopping use.

BENZODIAZEPINES

Anxiety is known to cause erectile dysfunction, as increased levels of stress harm the body and inhibit libido. Though common benzodiazepines, such as Xanax, Ativan, Valium, and Librium, may help calm anxiety through sedative effects, they may also end up lowering desire for sex, as well as his ability to remain erect.

BETA BLOCKERS

High blood pressure damages blood vessels, including those in the penis, causing ED. But beta blockers, one of the drugs most commonly prescribed drugs to people who have high blood pressure, can also cause ED. Drugs that fall into this category include Sectral, Lopressor, Cogard, and Tenormin.

Just like antidepressants, these drugs also affect neurotransmitters in the brain, specifically epinephrine (adrenaline). In this particular case, they counteract the stimulatory effects of the molecule, dampening a person’s excitement. At the same time, some evidence suggests beta blockers also affect areas of a man’s nervous system that allow for erections.

H2 BLOCKERS

Also called H2-receptor antagonists, this category of drug includes the popular heartburn options, Zantac and Pepcid. They’re used to treat gastrointestinal disorders like gastric ulcers, erosive esophagitis, and gastroesophageal reflux disease.

For the most part, these cause ED when taken in high doses, and the drug Tagamet (cimetidine) is most likely to cause problems. Along with ED and a decreased libido, they can also lower a man’s sperm count. Though life on these drugs may seem grim within the sexual arena, taking them is important for treating whatever disease a doctor has prescribed them for. Also, by talking with a doctor about alternative treatments, lowering doses, or taking supplements, taking these drugs may help to retain sexual drive.