Major Alzheimer's Disease Warning Signs

Depression Or Apathy

Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disease that progressively damages the brain. Memory loss is the most well-known symptom, but when the illness begins to affect emotions, it's common for patients to express depression or apathy. Rather than presenting as uncontrollable sadness, this symptom more commonly looks like withdrawal. A patient with Alzheimer's disease might lose interest in their usual hobbies, work projects, sports, social life, or other activities that are important to them. They might also forget how to execute the motions of their hobbies, like a knitter forgetting which stitches make a blanket. They may also forget to follow television shows, sports, events, and other schedule-based events.

Sometimes the social avoidance is related to a feeling of shame or guilt about the forgetfulness. Loss of interest in things that usually stimulate someone is a good cause for medical evaluation, especially if they're elderly. Older individuals may feel occasional weariness toward their social lives, work, and families, but they won't withdraw consistently and completely.

Delusions

Alzheimer's disease makes it difficult for patients to interact rationally with the world. Their brains receive and interpret information incorrectly because of the neural degeneration. It's common for individuals with Alzheimer's disease to express suspicion toward those surrounding them, even when they are close family members. They might even accuse others of infidelity, theft, and other inappropriate behaviors. These are delusions.

A delusion is a form of psychosis wherein the patients firmly believe things that aren't true or real. Delusional episodes can sometimes be bewildering and hurtful to the person's loved ones, but it's important to note that they're far more upsetting for the patient themselves. Though their beliefs might seem ridiculous, they feel very real to the patient in the moment. Delusions can also be a sign of other mental or neurological illnesses. Sudden delusions or other psychotic symptoms should be evaluated by a medical professional as soon as possible.