The Perfect Gift

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Memory loss that disrupts daily life is not a typical part of aging. It may

be a symptom of Alzheimer's, a fatal brain disease that causes a slow

decline in memory, thinking and reasoning skills. Every individual may

experience one or more of these signs in different degrees. If you notice

any of them, please see a doctor. Learn how Alzheimer's affects the brain

 

10 warning signs of Alzheimer's:

 

Memory changes that disrupt daily life One of the most common signs of

Alzheimer's, especially in the early stages, is forgetting recently learned

information. Others include forgetting important dates or events; asking for

the same information over and over; relying on memory aides (e.g., reminder

notes or electronic devices) or family members for things they used to

handle on their own.

*What's typical? Sometimes forgetting names or appointments, but remembering

them later.*

 

Challenges in planning or solving problems Some people may experience

changes in their ability to develop and follow a plan or work with numbers.

They may have trouble following a familiar recipe or keeping track of

monthly bills. They may have difficulty concentrating and take much longer

to do things than they did before.

*What's typical? Making occasional errors when balancing a checkbook.*

 

Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work or at leisure

 

People with Alzheimer's often find it hard to complete daily tasks.

Sometimes, people may have trouble driving to a familiar location, managing

a budget at work or remembering the rules of a favorite game.

*What's typical? Occasionally needing help to use the settings on a

microwave or to record a television show. *

 

Confusion with time or place People with Alzheimer's can lose track of

dates, seasons and the passage of time. They may have trouble understanding

something if it is not happening immediately. Sometimes they may forget

where they are or how they got there.

*What's typical? Getting confused about the day of the week but figuring it

out later.*

 

Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships

 

For some people, having vision problems is a sign of Alzheimer's. They may

have difficulty reading, judging distance and determining color or contrast.

In terms of perception, they may pass a mirror and think someone else is in

the room. They may not realize they are the person in the mirror.

*What's typical? Vision changes related to cataracts.*

 

New problems with words in speaking or writing

 

People with Alzheimer's may have trouble following or joining a

conversation. They may stop in the middle of a conversation and have no idea

how to continue or they may repeat themselves. They may struggle with

vocabulary, have problems finding the right word or call things by the wrong

name (e.g., calling a " watch " a " hand-clock " ).

*What's typical? Sometimes having trouble finding the right word.*

 

Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps

 

A person with Alzheimer's disease may put things in unusual places. They may

lose things and be unable to go back over their steps to find them again.

Sometimes, they may accuse others of stealing. This may occur more

frequently over time.

*What's typical? Misplacing things from time to time, such as a pair of

glasses or the remote control.*

 

Decreased or poor judgment People with Alzheimer's may experience

changes in judgment or decision-making. For example, they may use poor

judgment when dealing with money, giving large amounts to telemarketers.

They may pay less attention to grooming or keeping themselves clean.

*What's typical? Making a bad decision once in a while.*

 

Withdrawal from work or social activities **A person with Alzheimer's

may start to remove themselves from hobbies, social activities, work

projects or sports. They may have trouble keeping up with a favorite sports

team or remembering how to complete a favorite hobby. They may also avoid

being social because of the changes they have experienced.

*What's typical? Sometimes feeling weary of work, family and social

obligations.*

 

Changes in mood and personality The mood and personalities of people

with Alzheimer's can change. They can become confused, suspicious,

depressed, fearful or anxious. They may be easily upset at home, at work,

with friends or in places where they are out of their comfort zone.

*What's typical? Developing very specific ways of doing things and becoming

irritable when a routine is disrupted.*

 

 

Dr Miguel River an authority on Alzheimers will focus on the impact of Yoga

and meditation in alleviating Alzheimers.

 

 

Call a Friend, Register online at www.symphonyofyoga.com

 

 

 

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