Alzheimer’s disease is the most well-known condition among those that cause dementia, accounting for 70% of all cases. Despite a common and widely recognized illness, the exact cause and cure remain elusive. Prevention is key, and identifying the early warning signs is crucial.
According to a recent report published on December 15 by the Daily Mail, Dr. Daniel Amen, a double board-certified psychiatrist and brain imaging expert from California, revealed that “Alzheimer’s begins in the brain decades before symptoms show up.” On his TikTok account, he shared four warning signs that indicate the early stages of Alzheimer’s:
Memory Loss
While occasionally forgetting things is a natural part of aging, individuals with dementia struggle to remember recent events, conversations, or important details.
The hippocampus, a brain area responsible for forming new memories, is one of the first areas affected by Alzheimer’s.
Poor Judgement and Impulsive Behavior
A damaged frontal lobe affects the brain’s risk assessment, problem-solving skills, and ability to manage finances. Dr. Amen likens it to “the brain going offline.”
Short Attention Span
People with Alzheimer’s often face challenges in maintaining focus or paying attention for extended periods.
Dr. Amen points out that, unlike lifelong attention issues like ADHD, this occurs when distractability accelerates.
Symptoms of Depression
As Alzheimer’s disease affects the brain regions responsible for regulating emotions, mood declines can appear as an early symptom.
Research shows that about half of Alzheimer’s patients experience symptoms of depression. They might become irritable, have severe mood swings, or struggle to control their emotions.
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