Symptoms of Alzheimer's disease
Disease description:
My grandfather has been experiencing significant memory loss recently, sometimes even getting lost. I'm worried it might be Alzheimer's disease. Could you please tell me what the symptoms are?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Huang Shichang
Alzheimer's disease is a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system that primarily affects elderly individuals or those in the pre-elderly stage. Its symptoms can be summarized as follows:
1. Memory impairment: This is one of the most prominent symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, especially involving a decline in the ability to recall recent events. Patients may repeat questions, forget appointments or daily tasks, and rely on reminders or notes to complete routine activities. Language expression abilities may also be affected, such as difficulty finding words or naming objects.
2. Behavioral and psychological changes: Patients may experience significant changes in personality and behavior, such as becoming depressed or irritable from previously outgoing, developing sleep disturbances, or exhibiting inappropriate urination or defecation in public places.
3. Late-stage symptoms: In the late stages of the disease, patients may become completely dependent on others for care, losing the ability to walk, sit, swallow, or even breathe independently. Communication abilities are severely impaired, which may ultimately lead to prolonged bedridden status and failure of vital signs.
These symptoms may vary among individuals. A definitive diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease requires a detailed clinical evaluation, including cognitive function tests, neuroimaging studies (such as MRI or PET scans), and the exclusion of other potential causes of dementia.
