Identifying Early Signs
Identifying the Problem is the First Step to Solve a Problem
01
Unordinary Memory Loss
Short-term memory loss is one of the most common signs of early stages of Alzheimer’s. If you find yourself needing constant reminders, and the aid of reminder notes or electronic devices to remember your meetings or events, beware of the possibility that you may have early signs of Alzheimer’s disease.
03
Commonly Misplacing Things
Those with Alzheimer’s may find themselves commonly putting things in unusual places. If you often misplace things and are unable to retrace your steps to find them again, you are experiencing a form of short-term memory loss, and should be aware that this is a symptom of Alzheimer’s.
02
Newly Formed Problems with Speaking or Writing
Those with Alzheimer’s may have trouble following a conversation. They may find themselves lost in the middle of speech, and have no idea what they were saying or how to continue their train of thought. Additionally, they may have struggles with naming familiar objects or vocabulary.
04
Confusion with Place or Time
People diagnosed with Alzheimer’s may have trouble understanding something if it is not happening at the moment. They easily lose track of seasons, dates, and the passage of time. Those with severe cases may forget where they are or how they got there.
05
Changes in Personality or Mood
Those with Alzheimer’s or other dementias may experience personality and mood changes. They may be easily upset, and experience confusion, suspicion, depression, or fear in usual environments.
Preventative Measures
As of 2025, there are no legitimate proven Alzheimer’s prevention strategies. However, there is significant evidence that good lifestyle behaviours such as eating healthily, exercising, and avoiding smoking and drinking can help reduce the incidence of Alzheimer's. The Mediterranean diet has been linked to lower risk of Alzheimer's disease and dementia. It is also associated with enhanced cognition. The diet is rich in fish, legumes, vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, which are all related to contributing to a healthy brain.
Sleep is also very important for Alzheimer's prevention. Maintaining quality sleep is a great way to clear waste products from the brain. One example of this is beta-amyloid proteins that can clump together to form plaques in Alzheimer’s. During deep sleep, the brain works to flush out toxic substances like these. Sleep deprivation or disorders are linked to faster accumulation of beta-amyloid, and so good sleep hygiene helps maintain brain health and slow cognitive decline.
Cortisol released from stress damages the brain, which is why stress management is very important in maintaining brain health, and lowering risk of Alzheimer’s. High levels of cortisol can damage the hippocampus, which is the region of the brain responsible for memory formation. Managing stress through meditation or yoga can reduce cortisol levels and protect brain health.
Mental stimulation and social interaction help to keep the brain engaged with activity, which strengthens neural connections. Through performing challenging activities like puzzles, or other problems, your brain builds a cognitive reserve.This cognitive reserve helps the brain compensate for damage caused by Alzheimer’s, delaying its symptoms. It is also proven that loneliness and social isolation have been shown to increase risk of cognitive decline, as people who maintain social relationships have lower rates of Alzheimer diagnosis.
References
10 Early Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer's & Dementia | alz.org. (n.d.). Alzheimer's Association. Retrieved October 18, 2024, from https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/10_signs