How to Know if You Might Have Alzheimer's Disease

Approximately 4 million Americans currently suffer from Alzheimer's disease - a degenerative condition that affects the brain, causing the person to forget things and eventually to become unable to perform everyday tasks.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Ask yourself whether you are having trouble remembering things frequently. Although everyone forgets things sometimes, more frequent episodes of forgetfulness could be a sign that something is wrong.
2. Be aware whether you are having trouble doing things you normally have little problem doing, such as buttoning your shirt or putting on your shoes.
3. Notice whether you have trouble retrieving the words you want to say. Instead, you may be substituting other words that have different meanings, causing other people to be confused.
4. Understand that if you find yourself asking where you are, or if don't know how to get home from places you normally go, this could mean that you have a problem.
5. Realize that your judgment could be off if you have Alzheimer's. You may also be exhibiting strange behavior. Take note if others are frequently scolding you for getting things confused, such as boiling your milk instead of the rice or placing your keys in the refrigerator.
6. Recognize whether you are experiencing severe mood swings. People with Alzheimer's often go from happy to sad in an instant.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember that memory loss is one of the first signs of Alzheimer's.
• The symptoms of Alzheimer's progress from there, eventually making it difficult for you to care for yourself alone.
• Realize that people between 80 and 85 years old are those most likely to experience severe Alzheimer's.