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Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia.
“It is a progressive disease beginning with mild memory loss and possibly leading to loss of the ability to carry on a conversation and respond to the environment.”
CDC
It affects the parts of the brain that control thought, memory, and communication. Although the causes of Alzheimer’s are still unknown, there are some risk factors that scientists have established that contribute to the onset of the disease. These include aging and family history or a genetic predisposition. The Four A’s of Alzheimer’s disease are a way to remember and understand the most common symptoms of the condition.
Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s
Memory problems are commonly the first known sign of Alzheimer’s disease. Other warning signs according to the CDC include:
- Memory loss that disrupts daily life, such as getting lost in a familiar place or repeating questions.
- Trouble handling money and paying bills.
- Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work or at leisure.
- Decreased or poor judgment.
- Misplacing things and being unable to retrace steps to find them.
- Changes in mood, personality, or behavior.
The Four A’s of Alzheimer’s Disease
The Four A’s help us to understand Alzheimer’s better. These common symptoms greatly impact a person’s daily life.
Amnesia: This is when you experience significant memory loss. It can be a symptom of various conditions but it is extremely common in people with Alzheimer’s. There are two common types of amnesia which include retrograde amnesia where you can’t remember things, and anterograde amnesia, where you have difficulty forming new memories. According to the Cleveland Clinic, “about 24 million people worldwide have Alzheimer’s, which accounts for millions of people with amnesia. “
Aphasia: Expressive aphasia is a common occurrence in individuals with Alzheimer’s. This is when an individual has difficulty finding the right language or words to use to communicate or frequently mispronounces words they did not previously struggle with. This loss of ability to use language or express oneself can be extremely frustrating and limiting.
Apraxia: The National Aphasia Association defines apraxia as “the inability to perform particular purposeful actions despite normal muscle strength and tone. People who suffer from apraxia are usually unable to perform common expressive gestures on request. These include waving good-bye, beckoning, or saluting, or to pantomime drinking, brushing teeth, etc.” This loss of motor skills can be mild or severe. In the most extreme cases, people may not be able to perform any motor skill tasks.
Agnosia: This condition results from damage to the brain that prevents the brain from processing the five senses. Although your senses are functioning normally, the brain is unable to receive signals from these senses.
Understanding these symptoms can help you to better manage and anticipate your changing needs as you navigate Alzheimer’s. Seek help from medical professionals as well as your community to aid in these changes. Also explore clinical trials that can impact your disease progression.
