Confusion, memory loss, living in the past; these are all common signs of Alzheimer’s disease, but did you know that your loved one might be suffering from this devastating condition without exhibiting these obvious symptoms? Alzheimer’s disease causes other behaviors that are equally concerning but not as recognized. This is why Revive Medical Center offers this list of five additional, uncommon signs.
1. Breaking the Law
Yes, you read that right. In some cases, those suffering from age-related brain disorders will lose their ability to discern right from wrong. Oddly, they may start behaving in ways they never had before, such as engaging in illegal activities. In fact, a person may fall prey to scams and steal money to give it to others, or he or she may steal something to keep and think nothing of it.
2. Falling Frequently
Most people associate falling with other medical conditions but this, too, can be an early sign of Alzheimer’s. Studies have not yet concluded why this is so. Perhaps it’s because the person suffering from the condition is easily confused and doesn’t realize there is a step or change in ground level. It does make sense, however. Walking uses cognitive abilities and Alzheimer’s diminishes cognition.
3. Unable to Use Familiar Objects
Sure, you might forget where you placed something; that’s normal. If you forget what that something is for, however, that’s an entirely different matter. Those suffering from early-onset Alzheimer’s might forget how to use an object. They might not know how to answer their phone or what their keys are for, so keep an eye on your loved ones as they interact with their belongings.
4. Strange Eating Habits
As you know, Alzheimer’s causes memory loss and many patients in the early stages will eat much less. This could be because they forget to eat or they simply aren’t interested in eating. Metabolism slows down when people age, so the loss of appetite could be metabolic. In extreme cases, however, a person suffering from Alzheimer’s will starve himself or herself or eat inedible objects such as paper.
5. Sense of Humor Loss
If you notice your loved one is taking everything you say seriously, even if it’s a joke, this could mean he or she is suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. Because Alzheimer’s strikes the frontotemporal portion of the brain, many sufferers do not understand sarcasm or humor because the brain cannot distinguish them. A clear-cut sign this is happening is if a person takes a sarcastic remark seriously.
If you have noticed a loved one exhibiting any of the symptoms above, please contact Revive Medical Center. We are located in Lawrenceville, GA, and we have a four-pronged approach to Alzheimer’s diagnoses and treatments.
