- Memory losses (amnesia)
It is not simply to occasionally forget a name or an appointment. These are recurring oversights that disrupt daily life: ask the same question several times, deny having received information or no longer remember important or recent events.
- The difficulties in making everyday gestures (apraxia)
Use a remote control, operate a household appliance or simply dress properly (put on clothes in the bad order) … formerly simple activities suddenly become complicated. This loss of progressive autonomy can generate frustration and shame in the person concerned, who often tries to hide his difficulties.
- Language problems (aphasia)
Beyond the simple “I have it on the tip of the language”, the person may experience growing difficulties in expressing themselves: constantly seek their words, use inappropriate terms (“the thing to drink” instead of “glass”), having trouble following or participating in a conversation. As language disorders can lead to a withdrawal to avoid embarrassment …
The planning and organization of tasks, even simple, become problematic. The person can start an activity and abandon it without finishing it, unable to remember what they were doing. Preparing a meal, following a recipe or managing a budget can become insurmountable challenges.
- A decreased judgment
The person may no longer worry about their appearance, no longer take showers or go out in pajamas. It can also act in an unusual way, for example by giving a significant sum to a stranger on the street.
- Difficulty in recognizing objects or people (agnosie)
The person may no longer recognize common objects or confuse them (use toothpaste as a face cream), or even no longer identify familiar faces.
- Spatio-temporal disorientation
To get lost in formerly familiar places, to confuse the moments of the day (prepare breakfast in the middle of the night), or waste the concept of passing time are characteristic signs. The person may also not know which day or year we are.
- Behavioral and psychological changes
A apathy marked or, conversely, an unusual agitation may appear. The person sometimes abandons activities that he nevertheless particularly appreciated. Hallucinations or delusional ideas can also occur at more advanced stages.
Important changes in the character are frequent: one usually calm person can become irritable or aggressive, while another, sociable, can fall back on themselves. Unexplained mood swings, excessive anxiety or unusual distrust (believe that you steal your business) can also manifest itself.
- Cognitive difficulties
Managing money, making simple calculations or understanding a transport plan becomes problematic. The person may find it difficult to recognize the figures or make the currency correctly.
Faced with several of these persistent signs over time, consulting a doctor becomes essential. Ideally, a neurologist or a geriatrician can carry out a complete evaluation and make a diagnosis.
Note: it is important to recall that some of these symptoms can also be caused by other health problems, sometimes reversible: depression, side effects of drugs, nutritional deficiencies … hence the importance of consulting a health professional.
Source : www.fondation-alzheimer.org
