Experiencing Social Withdrawal
One of the earliest warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease is social withdrawal. As the disease progresses, people with Alzheimer’s may start to pull away from activities they once enjoyed and become more withdrawn and introspective. In some cases, they may stop talking altogether.
As you get older, withdrawing slightly from social situations is not out of the ordinary. However, those with Alzheimer’s usually display a marked change in behavior that can be worrying for family and friends. If you’re concerned that someone you know may be exhibiting signs of social withdrawal, it’s important to talk to their doctor.
Some examples of this behavior include:
- Avoiding eye contact
- Not wanting to participate in conversations
- Appearing distant or detached from loved ones
- Withdrawing from favorite activities
- Choosing to spend more time alone.
Sudden Mood Changes
As people age, it’s normal for them to experience some changes in their mood. However, sudden and dramatic mood swings can be a warning sign of Alzheimer’s disease. The cause of these mood swings may be due to the same as the cause of Alzheimer’s itself: the buildup of beta-amyloid plaques in the brain. These plaques damage neurons and interfere with their ability to communicate with each other.
In addition, this can lead to changes in mood, behavior, and cognition. While not all sudden mood changes are indicative of Alzheimer’s, it’s essential to speak with a doctor if you or a loved one experiences any sudden or unexplained changes in mood.
Examples of this symptom include:
• Becoming unusually irritable or angry for no apparent reason
• Displaying sudden outbursts of crying or laughter
• Having mood swings that are more extreme than usual
Decrease In Judgment Skills
Alzheimer’s disease is a degenerative brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and cognitive skills. Early-onset of this disease can begin to affect people in their 50s and 60s, and one of the first signs is often a decline in judgment skills. Sadly, this may manifest as poor decision-making, impulsive behavior, or an inability to follow instructions. Unfortunately, as the disease progresses, these judgment impairments can become more severe, eventually leading to complete disorientation and confusion.
Some examples of poor judgment in early-onset Alzheimer’s patients include:
- Wearing inappropriate clothing for the weather or season
- Giving large amounts of money to strangers
- Neglecting personal hygiene
- Engaging in risky behaviors, such as driving without a license or walking alone at night
Loss Of Writing Ability
A loss of writing ability can manifest itself in several ways, such as losing the ability to write complete sentences or being unable to remember how to spell common words. However, in some cases, people with Alzheimer’s may also begin to write in a disorganized or chaotic manner. Furthermore, while this symptom may be subtle at first, it can signify that the disease is progressing. Therefore, if you notice any changes in your writing ability, it’s important to see a doctor to begin treatment.
Signs of this behavior include:
- Inability to write complete sentences
- Forgetting how to spell common words
- Writing in a disorganized or chaotic manner
Be Aware Of These Early Signs Of Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer’s disease is a degenerative brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and cognitive skills. However, while it is most commonly a disease that affects older adults, it can also affect younger adults. Therefore, if you notice any of the early warning signs of Alzheimer’s, you must see a doctor to get an accurate diagnosis. While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, early diagnosis and treatment can help slow the progression of the disease. This can significantly improve your quality of life.
