5 Early Warning Signs of Alzheimer's Disease

Most family members miss the early warning signs of Alzheimer's disease. The reason is shockingly simple: they just don't know what the early warning signs are for Alzheimer's disease.
 
Writing in his book, "The Memory Cure: How To Protect Your Brain Against Memory Loss and Alzheimer's Disease", Dr.Majid Fotuhi says most Alzheimer's disease goes undiagnosed for 2 years.

Part of the reasons it takes so long is the general public's lack of understanding of Alzheimer's early warning signals.
 
Early warning signs of Alzheimer's can appear years before other clinical symptoms such as memory loss actually appear. When they do present themselves, friends and family misunderstand or don't recognize them.  
 
If any of these five signs are present, it's a good idea to visit a doctor for a complete examination  
 
Signs include:
 
1. Depression: Over 50% of all Alzheimer's patients exhibit symptoms of clinical depression.  A few indicators of depression include lack of motivation, disrupted sleep patterns, lack of energy, sense of worthlessness and indecision.
   
2. Loss of the sense of smell: The affected person's ability to recognize odors may decrease markedly. Typically they are not aware of the loss and their sense of taste remains intact.

3. Hearing loss: Indicators of poor hearing include turning up the TV too loud, avoiding use of the phone, and withdrawal from conversations.

4. Visual / Spatial Impairment: The person affected may have difficulty recalling visual details about objects and locations, or problems following maps and directions.

5. Unusual fingerprint patterns: Up to 75% of people who develop Alzheimer's have an abnormal number of ulnar loop patterns on their fingertips.
 
Exhibiting these signs doesn't necessarily mean the person has Alzheimer's disease but it's good reason to find a qualified physician for a complete examination to get proper treatment.  
 
My hope is that you use this information to help friends and family become well informed about the disease.

By recognizing early symptoms of possible Alzheimer's disease an individual can be diagnosed and receive treatment early. Early treatment gives individuals improved odds of a longer, healthier and happier life.