Alzheimer's Disease: Know the Signs

It’s time to understand the signs of Alzheimer’s disease in support of Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month. To understand and identify the disease in yourself or others and find preventative measures that work for you, we’ve listed out the signs of Alzheimer’s disease and the ways you can start battling mental decline right now.

Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disease that causes the slow decline in cognitive functions such as memory, thinking and reasoning skills.

Early Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia:

• Disruptive memory loss
• Increased poor judgement
• Withdrawal from work and social activities
• Challenges solving problems
• Difficulty completing familiar tasks
• Wandering or getting lost
• Missing or misplacing items
• Confusion with time or place
• Visual image and spatial relationships impairment
• New problems with words
• Changes in overall mood and personality

Studies show there are some uncontrollable risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease. Studies also state there isn’t a singular cause of Alzheimer’s disease. Risk factors that are out of your control include your age, family history and genetics.

For controllable risk factors, effective management of your brain health can help. This means to be sure you protect your brain by wearing your seat belt and a helmet to avoid any traumatic brain injuries. There are also studies linking the disease to the cardiovascular system. If you’ve ever had a stroke, heart disease or high blood pressure and cholesterol, your risk for Alzheimer’s disease increases.

To learn more about your health risks and risks of developing cognitive decline or Alzheimer’s disease, visit your Blue Primary Care Home. Here, they can schedule a time for you to meet with your Blue Primary Care Provider, where you can discuss any questions or concerns you may have. Your Blue Primary Care Provider can refer you to In-Network Specialists if need be or get you in touch with one of our Blue Wellness Coaches who can help with disease prevention through lifestyle coaching.

Remember, to age healthily, make sure you continue to eat a healthy diet, find your social community, avoid tobacco and excess alcohol and get plenty of exercise.

#NationalAlzheimersandBrainAwarenessMonth

Sources:

Alzheimer's Association

National Institute on Aging