BRAIN AND NERVE CARE

10 Early Signs of Alzheimer’s - Page 10

By Temma Ehrenfeld @temmaehrenfeld
 | 
April 18, 2017
26 Dec 2014 --- Close up of older Caucasian man smiling --- Image by © Marc Romanelli/Blend Images/Corbis

10. Losing a sense of direction.

People vary a great deal in how easily they can orient themselves in space. But if you experience a big drop in your ability to get around in familiar locations, see a doctor. People with Alzheimer’s can fail to recognize once-familiar landmarks and forget their normal routes. They also have a harder time following instructions.

Remember that no one symptom is proof of a disease. Also, all of these 10 early signs of Alzheimer’s may not show up in each person. If you see three or more signs, speak to a doctor and consider buying long-term care insurance or making other changes in case you or someone you love will need care.

Even younger people need to know at least some of these 10 early signs of Alzheimer’s because the disease can begin as young as the thirties, forties or fifties. With an early diagnosis and treatment, its progress can be slowed down. Keep your mind active with word puzzles, challenging games, and reading. Stay socially engaged. Aim for a minimum of a half hour of exercise five days a week. Stop smoking and eat more vegetables and fruits, and avoid foods that are crispy from high heat, especially fatty meat.

 

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Updated:  

October 16, 2017

Reviewed By:  

Christopher Nystuen, MD, MBA