5 EARLY WARNING SIGNS YOU HAVE ALZHEIMER’S
MEMORY loss and confusion are among the most well-known — and devastating — effects of Alzheimer’s disease. But experts say patients often display subtle symptoms years before the mind-robbing condition is diagnosed. Here are five telltale behaviors, which have been identified as potential early warning signs!
1. Giving away money: Researchers from University of Southern California and Israel’s Bar-Ilan University found seniors who easily forked over cash to strangers often had impaired cognitive states, suggesting an elevated Alzheimer’s risk.
2. A change in humor: University College London scientists discovered people with the disease started to prefer slapstick comedy over satire as much as nine years before experiencing dementia-like symptoms.
3. Dressing scruffy: British researchers say people experiencing dementia become less able to dress themselves properly and may wear mismatched clothing or items unsuitable for the weather.
4. Driving problems: Scientists at Washington University in St. Louis say those with early Alzheimer’s were more likely to make abrupt changes in direction when behind the wheel and travel
at reduced speeds. Amazingly, the team says their research model was able to accurately predict the disease in up to 90 percent of subjects based on their driving skills alone! Additional studies have shown in early stages, the condition impacts motor skills and can make patients worse at parking.
5. Having no filter: The
Alzheimer’s Society in the U.K. says more frequent use of profanity — and/or swearing in inappropriate situations — speaking rudely, undressing in public and acting in an unusually vulgar manner have been linked to the disorder. Experts believe such behavioral changes are caused by shrinkage in areas of the brain that govern impulse control.