Alzheimer’s is a type of dementia known for memory loss and other intellectual abilities, that interferes with daily life. Although aging is the greatest known risk factor for this condition and is commonly found in those in their late sixties and more, it is not just a disease of old age. Studies have shown that about 5% of those who have the disease, had it in their 40s or 50s as an early onset. A recent study also shows that about 200,000 people in the US have early onset Alzheimer’s. The earlier it is noticed, the lesser the risk of having the disease itself. Here are some ways to tell if you have an early-onset of this disease.
1. You fall frequently
If you fall or trip frequently, there’s a tendency that you have an early onset. A study carried out on 125 older adults kept track on how often they fell within eight months. Researchers checked the brain scans of those who fell frequently and found out that there’s a link between the falls and Alzheimer’s.
2. You lose interest in favorite hobbies
Environment changes and this can affect you personally too and you no longer want to do certain things, that used to excite you. It could also be due to depression or while mourning a loved one. But on the other hand, you should be more observant if it gets extreme. When you start to skip your favorite hobbies, it could be an early sign of Alzheimer’s, because Alzheimer’s related brain can make people lose motivation to do even the things that excites them. Weigh your options and try to know why you’ve stopped doing these things. If it has nothing to do with your environment or mood or anything else you can think of, then it might just be a sign of Alzheimer’s.
3. You forget the function of some objects
This is quite common in those who have early onset of this disease. It is not a problem if you can’t remember where you kept some of your belongings, as this happens to even the healthiest of us. But when you suddenly realize that the function of a particular object is unknown to you, then there’s a problem. If you have to think deeply before knowing the function of your key or your spoon, then it could be a sign of Alzheimer’s.
If you experience one or all of these signs and you are still living your life comfortably, it’s best for you to see your doctor and ask for a brain scan to know if you should be worried or not. This doesn’t mean you could have the disease, but to be on the safe side, you should go for a check-up. Your doctor will suggest means to prevent you from getting this disease. Your diet can also help you to prevent it, eat more fish like tuna, salmon, sardines and seaweed and also eat plenty of omega-3 fats.
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