Memory loss is the symptom everybody worried about Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia seems to focus on. However, there are common symptoms that can begin before memory loss sets in. Let's look at five:
1. Personality Change - a loved one may seem to morph into a bit of a grouch, at first occasionally, and then increasingly, or they may begin cursing regularly. This change commonly predates memory loss.
2. Executive Functions - difficulty carrying out basic, familiar tasks.
3. Vision Problems - depth perception or visual-spatial coordination issues. The person may have trouble driving or even walking well.
4. Communication - Word retrieval and getting out the right words. This may be more apparent to friends and non-family members as they notice a change between visits.
5. Social Withdrawal - The person is often well aware that something is amiss, even if he or she isn't exactly sure why. Often the person isn't even aware that they seem to be losing interest in friends and family, because they concentrate so hard on just getting through the day.
Should you notice any of these symptoms, it's important to have them checked out by a doctor. Early detection improves the chances that advancement of the disease can be better managed.
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