Alzheimer's Disease
Association (Singapore)
WHAT IS ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE?
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive, degenerative disease of the brain in which brain cells die and are not replaced. It results in impaired memory, thinking and behaviour, and is the most common form of dementing illness.
WHAT ARE THE COMMON SYMPTOMS OF ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE?
Confusion ... e.g. your wife always misplaces her keys. Last Tuesday she couldn't remember what the keys were for.
Disorientation ... e.g. your grandfather likes to take daily strolls around the neighbourhood. But in the past month he's gotten lost four times and couldn't find his way home without help from a neighbour.
Memory Loss ... e.g. your favourite uncle can't remember your name or names of your husband or children.
A list of common symptoms (some of them also may apply to other dementing illnesses) is shown below to help you know what warning signs to look out for. If you or your relative has several of these symptoms, consult a doctor for a complete examination.
The 10 warning signs of Alzheimer's disease are:
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problem with recent memory |
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misplacing things |
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difficulty performing familiar tasks |
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problems with language |
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disorientation of place and time |
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poor or decreased judgement |
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problems with abstract thinking |
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changes in mood or behaviour |
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changes in personality |
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loss of initiative |
WHAT DO WE NORMALLY DO?
We normally fail to recognise that these symptoms indicate something is wrong and may mistakenly assume that such behaviour is a normal part of the ageing process. Well, it isn't! Sometimes, we may refuse to act even when we know something's wrong. These symptoms may develop gradually and go unnoticed for a long time.
WHAT WE SHOULD DO?
It's important to see a doctor for a complete examination when we recognise the symptoms.
Only a doctor can properly diagnose the person's condition.
Help is
available to learn how to care for a person with dementia and where to
find assistance for the caregiver.
Click here for more information.