What are the symptoms of AD?
In general, the symptoms of AD are related to changes in memory, thought/reasoning, behaviour, and the ability to perform normal daily activities.
Early symptoms
AD starts very slowly and gradually, and can therefore be difficult to notice in the early stages or could be mistaken for signs of normal aging or depression. Early symptoms include memory loss, confusion and poor concentration but can also include disorientation, communication problems, lack of motivation, and personality changes.
The rate at which the disease progresses towards more noticeable symptoms varies from person to person. In all cases, memory will continue to worsen, and the individual may have difficulties with normal daily activities like cooking, cleaning, shopping, washing and dressing. The person may also start to behave in an unusual way – wandering is quite common – or may imagine seeing things (hallucinations). As these changes become more severe, the person with AD will become more dependent upon others.
Disease progression
In the later stages of AD, the physical symptoms become more obvious. Behaviour becomes inappropriate, understanding becomes a problem, and the person may become aggressive and/or depressed as certain parts of the brain become damaged. There will also be difficulties with eating, walking, toileting and other basic activities. These problems are often accompanied by a loss in weight and the person may prefer to stay in a wheelchair or in bed.
The symptoms of AD will also affect the individual’s overall personality, which can be particularly disturbing for friends and family. As the disease reaches the later stages, the person with AD may not be able to recognise even their closest friends and relatives, and their behaviour can be aggressive and appear unkind and accusing. It is essential to remember that it is the illness that causes these changes – the person is not behaving in this way on purpose. However, despite these complicated symptoms, someone with AD will always express feelings, and will therefore be able to share joy, anger, fear, and most importantly, love.