World Alzheimer's Day — Recognize It Early, Preserve More Memories

Today, September 21, is World Alzheimer's Day. Alzheimer's disease is not a normal part of aging — it is a pathological brain disease. Getting an accurate diagnosis as early as possible is the starting point for all care and intervention.

(1) It's Not Just "Poor Memory"! These "Signals" May Be Early Warning Signs of Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative condition characterized primarily by memory loss, difficulty with language expression, declining judgment, and mood swings. In severe cases, it can leave patients unable to care for themselves in daily life.

If one or more of the following symptoms appear, it is advisable to seek medical attention as soon as possible to determine the cause and pursue early diagnosis and treatment.

1. Memory decline

2. Difficulty performing familiar tasks

3. Trouble finding the right words

4. Confusion about time and place

5. Poor judgment

6. Failure to handle affairs on time

7. Misplacing items

8. Changes in mood and behavior

9. Visual and spatial difficulties

10. Becoming withdrawn

(2) How Can You Self-Assess for Alzheimer's Disease?

Alzheimer's disease does leave traces in its early stages. You can do a simple self-test by drawing a clock.[1]

Four steps:

1. Draw a properly closed circle (the clock face) as instructed — 1 point.

2. Place all the numbers (1–12) in the correct positions on the clock face — 1 point.

3. Mark all twelve hour positions accurately on the clock face — 1 point.

4. Position the hands (hour hand and minute hand) correctly — 1 point.

Interpreting your score:

A score of 3 to 4 suggests cognitive function is normal.

A score of 2 suggests there may be mild cognitive impairment.

A score of 1 or 0 suggests cognitive problems may be relatively serious.

 

Most people with Alzheimer's disease develop it after age 65. If an elderly family member scores low on this self-test, it is recommended that you proactively take them to a regular hospital for a cognitive function assessment and related examinations, so they can receive a scientific diagnosis and treatment recommendations in a timely manner.

 

(3) How to Prevent Elderly Patients from Wandering Off

Elderly patients with Alzheimer's disease often experience disorientation and visuospatial impairment, along with a decline in problem-solving ability. After wandering off, they may not even know to ask for help and can only walk aimlessly. Therefore, to prevent elderly patients from wandering away, family members are advised to take the following measures[2]:

1. Avoid leaving the elderly person alone, and do not let them go out by themselves. If the person frequently wanders, do not forcibly forbid them from going out. Instead, plan ahead and accompany them on walks.

2. Create an information card that includes the person's name, home address, and their children's phone numbers. It is best to note on the card that the bearer has cognitive impairment. This card can be placed in the person's pocket or sewn onto their outer clothing.

3. Have the person wear a wristband, watch, or other device with location-tracking capabilities.

4. Keep recent photos of the person, and try to dress them in brightly colored clothing so that passersby can easily identify them if they go missing.

If you discover that the person has wandered off and you cannot reach them, and you are unable to find them in places they frequently visit, be sure to call the police promptly and ask for their help.

In the end, Alzheimer's patients will forget most of the people and events in their lives. The disease cannot be reversed — but your love will always remain.

 

[1]Cahn DA, Salmon DP, et al. Screening for dementia of the alzheimer type in the community: the utility of the Clock Drawing Test. Arch Clin Neuropsychol. 1996;11(6):529-39. PMID: 14588458.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37083937/#1

 

[2]Rowe M. Wandering in hospitalized older adults: identifying risk is the first step in this approach to preventing wandering in patients with dementia. Am J Nurs. 2008 Oct;108(10):62-70; quiz 71. doi: 10.1097/01.NAJ.0000336968.32462.c9. PMID: 18827546.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18827546/#1