Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects the brain, leading to memory loss, cognitive decline, and behavioral changes. It is the most common cause of dementia among older adults. While Alzheimer's primarily impacts older individuals, it can also occur in younger adults, although less frequently. The disease gets worse over time and can make it hard for someone to do everyday things like remembering names or how to do simple tasks.

Currently, there is no cure for Alzheimer's disease, but there are treatments available that can help manage the symptoms and improve the person's quality of life. These treatments may include medications to help with memory and behavior, as well as lifestyle changes like regular exercise and staying socially active. While these treatments can't stop the disease from getting worse, they can help slow down how quickly it progresses. Research into potential treatments and preventive measures for Alzheimer's disease continues in hopes of finding more effective therapies in the future.

Early Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease

In the beginning, Alzheimer's disease can show small signs that might seem normal as you get older or when you're feeling stressed. But as it gets worse, these signs become more pronounced and start affecting your everyday activities. Here are some early signs:

Forgetting Things or Recent Events: The adults may start to forget important dates, appointments, or events that they would normally remember. They may also rely more on memory aids or family members to remember information.
Losing or Misplacing Things: Misplacing items and being unable to retrace steps to find them becomes more common. Everyday objects may be found in unusual places, and the person may accuse others of stealing or moving their belongings.
Getting Lost When Walking or Driving: Older adults may become disoriented in familiar places, such as their neighborhood or local store. They may have difficulty following directions or finding their way home, even in areas they have visited many times before.
Being Confused, Even in Familiar Places: Confusion and disorientation may occur, especially in environments that were previously familiar. This can lead to feelings of anxiety or agitation.
Losing Track of Time: Older adults may have difficulty keeping track of dates, seasons, or the passage of time. They may forget the day of the week or the month, and may become confused about the time of day.

Difficulties Solving Problems or Making Decisions: Simple tasks that require problem-solving or decision-making skills may become challenging. This can include tasks such as managing finances, following a recipe, or planning a route.
Problems Following Conversations or Trouble Finding Words: Older adults may struggle to follow conversations or participate in discussions. They may have difficulty finding the right words to express themselves, leading to pauses or hesitations in speech.
Difficulties Performing Familiar Tasks: Routine tasks, such as cooking a meal or getting dressed, may become increasingly challenging. Individuals may need more assistance or reminders to complete these tasks effectively.
Misjudging Distances to Objects Visually: Depth perception may be affected, leading to difficulties with tasks such as driving or navigating stairs. Older adults may bump into objects or trip and fall more frequently.

Withdrawal From Work or Social Activities: Avoiding work or social activities can also be an early sign of Alzheimer's disease. Older adults might stop doing things they used to enjoy or interacting with others as much as before. This could happen because they find it hard to remember things or feel confused in social situations.

These early signs and symptoms of Alzheimer's disease highlight the gradual decline in cognitive function and memory that occurs as the disease progresses. It's important to recognize these changes and seek medical evaluation and support for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate management.

What Are the Best Medications for Alzheimer's Disease?

The medications for Alzheimer's disease treatment are categorised into two groups: those that can alter the course of the disease in individuals with early-stage Alzheimer's, and those that can temporarily reduce some symptoms of Alzheimer's dementia.

Before starting any treatment, it's crucial to discuss it with a doctor to determine its suitability. These medications should be closely monitored by a qualified clinician to ensure adherence to recommended guidelines.

Medicines That Change Alzheimer's Progression:
- Amyloid-targeting approaches (e.g., Aducanumab, Lecanemab): These medicines aim to reduce the buildup of amyloid plaques in the brain, which are associated with Alzheimer's progression.
Medicines That Treat Alzheimer's Symptoms:
- Cholinesterase inhibitors: These medications help improve communication between nerve cells in the brain, potentially enhancing memory and thinking abilities.
- Glutamate regulators: These medicines aim to regulate the activity of glutamate, a neurotransmitter involved in learning and memory.
- Combination of cholinesterase inhibitor and glutamate regulator: Some medications combine the benefits of both types to target multiple aspects of the disease.
- Atypical antipsychotics: These medicines may be prescribed to manage behavioral symptoms such as agitation, aggression, or hallucinations.
- Orexin receptor antagonist: This medication targets orexin, a neurotransmitter involved in sleep regulation, to address sleep disturbances often seen in Alzheimer's patients.

Some nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, vitamin E, and certain B vitamins may help keep your brain healthy and lower the risk of memory related problems. You can buy these supplements and medicine online using medicine delivery apps, which make it easy to get them delivered to your home. Apps like Truemeds offer cheaper generic alternatives, saving you money. If you want to try a new supplement, you can also consult a doctor through this app to get advice on the best options for you.

If you or someone you know experiences memory loss, confusion, difficulty completing familiar tasks, or changes in behavior, it's essential to consult a doctor. Early detection and intervention can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Don't wait if you notice these signs, seek medical advice promptly for timely evaluation.

10 Early Signs of Alzheimer's and Memory Loss