Little-known early signs of Alzheimer’s disease

Cognitive decline Mild (often referred to as MCI) is the early stage of dementia or other cognitive loss, such as language or visual/spatial perception. The signs may be severe enough for the affected person and those around them to notice, but mild enough for the affected person to maintain the ability to perform most activities of daily living.

Many people confuse this decline with the normal aging process. In fact, the condition is quite different, about one-third of people with mild cognitive impairment develop dementia due to the disease. Alzheimer’s within five years, according to the study.

Depending on the type of MCI, sufferers may have difficulty remembering conversations, keeping track of things, maintaining a flow of thought while talking, navigating a familiar place, or completing everyday tasks. date, such as bill payment. Some individuals will experience increasing cognitive decline, while others will return to normal activities.

To better understand the recognition, diagnosis, and treatment of MCI in the US, the Alzheimer’s Association conducted a survey of more than 2,400 adults and 801 primary care physicians by the end of 2021. All questions be answered online or by phone. More than 80% of participants initially knew little or no about MCI. Then, when told what MCI was, more than 40% said they were worried about developing the condition in the future.

Morgan Daven, Vice President of Health Systems at the Alzheimer’s Association said:It’s surprising how challenging it is for both primary care physicians and public health professionals to distinguish between mild cognitive impairment and the common ageing.“.

Both health care workers and the general public often confuse mild cognitive impairment with the common condition of aging. (Photo: CNN)

85% of adults say they want to know early on if they have Alzheimer’s disease so they can plan, treat symptoms earlier, take the steps necessary to maintain cognitive function or understand what’s going on, research shows.

Yet despite such a sense of urgency, many people hesitate to seek professional advice if they begin to experience symptoms. Only 40% said they would talk to a doctor immediately if they were experiencing symptoms of MCI. Worries about getting help include possibly getting the wrong diagnosis or treatment, learning of a serious health problem, or believing that symptoms can go away.

According to research, there are many factors that can contribute to MCI.

Richard Isaacson, director of the Alzheimer’s Disease Prevention Clinic in the Center for Brain Health at Florida Atlantic University’s Schmidt College of Medicine, said:It can be caused by reversible causes such as vitamin deficiencies or medical conditions such as thyroid dysfunction.“.

Other possible causes include medication side effects, sleep deprivation, anxiety, neurological or psychiatric disorders, genetics, high blood pressure, stroke or other vascular disease, and traumatic brain injury.

Overall, the factors that lead to MCI are diverse, and the broad range of symptoms and lack of MCI testing can make the diagnosis of MCI more difficult, the results show.

When a patient is diagnosed with MCI, doctors often recommend lifestyle changes, tests, or refer the patient to a specialist, the authors write.

Mr. Isaacson said: “People can take control of their brain health by making positive changes in their daily lives. More than just exercise, diet, good sleep and stress avoidance, having a primary care physician can help optimize and treat associated conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. “.

Early diagnosis is crucial and offers the best chance for disease management and treatment.

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