Alzheimers Research UK explain 'what is dementia?'
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There’s no cure for Alzheimer’s, but an early diagnosis provides the opportunity for the person affected to get their affairs into order, including deciding on the care they would like to receive. Growing agitation can be a sign of Alzheimer’s disease, according to the National Institute on Ageing (NIA). One behaviour change indicative of agitation is pacing – when a person walks back and forth in the same area, usually at increased speed.
Another sign of agitation is sleeplessness (i.e. insomnia), which is when a person struggles to fall asleep or to stay asleep.
Verbal or physical acts of aggression – that weren’t there previously – can also be an early indication of Alzheimer’s disease.
Examples include lashing out at loved ones verbally or trying to physically hurt someone near by.
“Look for early signs of agitation or aggression,” recommended the NIA. “Doing nothing can make things worse.”
Everyone may experience agitation from time to time, but if the feeling is prolonged, it could signal an underlying health issue.
Other possible indications of Alzheimer’s disease include memory loss, poor judgement, and loss of initiative.
One glaring sign of the disease is when a person misplaces a common household object in a very odd place.
For example, putting the TV remote in the oven should signal alarm bells for anyone.
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The brain changes behind Alzheimer’s disease can alter the person’s personality.
People suffering from the condition may feel upset, worried or angry more easily.
Apathy could appear, and mistrust and accusations could be served to other people.
The brain changes behind Alzheimer’s
Current evidence suggests that Alzheimer’s disease is caused by the abnormal build-up of proteins in and around the brain.
Known as amyloid and tau proteins, the NHS added that there’s also a decrease in the chemical messengers (i.e. neurotransmitters) in the brain.
“Levels of one neurotransmitter, acetylcholine, are particularly low in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s disease,” the NHS stated.
Risk factors for developing Alzheimer’s include increasing age, with people doubling their risk of the disease every five years after the age of 65.
Genetics also seem to play a part in the development of the condition, albeit the risk is increased only marginally due to this factor.
Research is currently ongoing as to whether severe head injuries can lead to the condition.
Several lifestyle factors and conditions have been shown to increase the risk of Alzheimer’s, such as:
Smoking
Obesity
Diabetes
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
The latest data also suggests that other factors could play an important role in the development of Alzheimer’s.
For instance, hearing loss, social isolation, and a sedentary lifestyle could all be contributing factors.
Research is currently ongoing as to whether severe head injuries can lead to the condition.
Several lifestyle factors and conditions have been shown to increase the risk of Alzheimer’s, such as:
Smoking
Obesity
Diabetes
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
The latest data also suggests that other factors could play an important role in the development of Alzheimer’s.
For instance, hearing loss, social isolation, and a sedentary lifestyle could all be contributing factors.
Research is currently ongoing as to whether severe head injuries can lead to the condition.
Several lifestyle factors and conditions have been shown to increase the risk of Alzheimer’s, such as:
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
The latest data also suggests that other factors could play an important role in the development of Alzheimer’s.
For instance, hearing loss, social isolation, and a sedentary lifestyle could all be contributing factors.
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