Watching a loved one go through Alzheimer’s is hard on the people around them. Getting an early diagnosis could help you or your loved one better manage the disease. Apart from problems with memory associated with most types of dementia, some signs are more subtle and easy to miss.
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Swearing
A person who has never spoken a foul word in their lives may start to swear in the early stage of the disease. According toVeryWellHealth, apart from swearing, the person may also say things that others might find hurtful or offensive.
Words that otherwise would be caught before they were spoken now may be uttered freely due to the loss of inhibitions and personality changes that sometimes develop as dementia progresses. A person who would never want to hurt others before developing dementia might call someone hurtful, offensive names now.
Being overly generous with money
It is a well known fact that elderly people tend to fall victim to scams, but studies show that their willingness to part with money could be a sign of early Alzheimer’s.
After observing participants around the age of 70 who were offered $10 to share as they pleased, researchers concluded that those who were at a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s gave more money to the person whom they had just met. Dr Duke Han, a neuropsychology professor at USC who led the research, said:
Trouble handling money is thought to be one of the early signs of Alzheimer's disease, and this finding supports that notion.
Less attention to what they wear
People who suffer from Alzheimer’s tend to pay less attention to what they wear; choosing clashing clothes and not dressing according to the weather, The Sun states. A 2018 research that interviewed 29 family carers and relatives as well as care home staff, found that changes in dressing can be one of the signs of the disease.
Other signs to look out for are poor parking and change in humour.
Read more:
⋙ Alzheimer’s dementia: Afternoon naps may be an early sign of the disease
⋙ Dementia: Where you live could be linked to cognitive decline
⋙ Dementia: Commonly prescribed drug has been linked to cognitive decline
