[Medical Q&A] How to identify the early symptoms of Alzheimer's disease?

Planner: Chinese Medical Association

Reviewer: Tian Jinzhou, Chief Physician, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine

Alzheimer's disease, also known as "senile dementia", is the most common type of dementia in clinical practice. It is a disease that affects memory, thinking and behavior, and the symptoms are eventually severe enough to interfere with daily life and work. Most Alzheimer's patients are over the age of 65. In the early stages of the disease, patients' memory loss is mild and easier to ignore, but if not taken seriously, the symptoms will gradually worsen within a few years. In the late stages, patients lose the ability to communicate with others and respond to the environment, and their lives are completely dependent on others. Even eating, dressing and bathing require care from others. Therefore, early identification of Alzheimer's disease is very important for the intervention effect on the progression of the disease.

The most common symptom of early Alzheimer's disease is difficulty remembering new information. Other symptoms include disorientation (such as increasing confusion about events, time and place), changes in mood and behavior (many patients will show unwarranted suspicion of family, friends and professional caregivers). Patients with memory loss or other symptoms may find it difficult to realize that they have a problem. As family members or friends, it is easier to discover abnormal behaviors of patients. Therefore, it is recommended to pay more attention to whether the elderly have the above symptoms. If so, they should seek medical attention as soon as possible and have an experienced doctor evaluate them. Early diagnosis and early treatment can help improve the quality of life of patients.