Alzheimer or Alzheimer’s Disease? I Can’t Remember
Most of us have forgotten our car or house keys a couple of times in the past. Others may have even forgotten why they walked into a room, or couldn’t remember what they started to say when they were interrupted. Young people normally just laugh off such forgetfulness, thinking that it is just due to some preoccupation or stress. They could be right. Forgetfulness is a normal human trait.
Older people who start forgetting things, however, is another story. It could be, although not necessarily, a symptom of something more serious. The first thing that comes to mind when we hear of older people suffering memory lapses is Alzheimer Disease (AD).
AD is a serious form of dementia that requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms usually include the following:
• repeating the same story or sentence
• forgetting the names of familiar objects and places
• forgetting how to operate familiar gadgets
• getting lost in familiar places
• inability to follow simple directions
• disregard of personal grooming and hygiene
If an elderly person exhibits any of these symptoms, he or she should be examined by specialists to determine if it is indeed AD. A battery of tests will have to be conducted by medical experts, which includes a review of past medical history, mental status test, physical and neurological exam, and brain imaging. These tests should enable the doctors to diagnose the underlying cause of the symptoms.
Often, the cause of forgetfulness is not AD. Normal aging, preoccupation with something, or stress could conceivably cause the symptoms. The good news is that these are manageable and even reversible, if the proper medical care is given.
While AD is irreversible, there are plenty of medications that can delay the downward slide of the patient, and to mitigate his agitation, depression, and anxiety. Proper medical supervision, a healthy diet and lifestyle can go a long way to help both the patient and the family to cope with the disease.
