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_alzheimers _
By: dsfsd
Recent Memory Loss That Affects Job Performance It's normal to occasionally
forget assignments, colleagues' names or a business associate's telephone
number, but generally remember them later. Those with a dementia like
Alzheimer's disease, may forget things more often, and not remember them
later. They may repeatedly ask the same question, not remembering either the
answer, or that they already asked the question. Difficulty Performing
Familiar Tasks Busy people can be distracted from time to time and leave the
carrots on the stove, only remembering to serve them at the end of the meal.
People with Alzheimer's disease could prepare a meal, forget to serve it, and
even forget they made it. Problems with Language Everyone has trouble finding
the right word sometimes, but can finish the sentence with another appropriate
word. A person with Alzheimer's disease may forget simple words, or substitute
inappropriate words, making their sentence incomprehensible. Disorientation of
Time and Place It's normal to forget the day of the week or your destination
for a moment. But people with Alzheimer's disease can become lost on their own
street or in a familiar shopping mall, not knowing where they are, how they
got there or how to get home. Poor or Decreased Judgment People can become so
immersed in an activity or telephone conversation they temporarily forget the
child they're watching. A person with Alzheimer's disease could entirely
forget the child under their care and leave the house to visit a neighbor.
Problems with Abstract Thinking People who normally balance their checkbooks
may be momentarily disconcerted when the task is more complicated than usual,
but will eventually figure out the solution. Someone with Alzheimer's disease
could forget completely what the numbers are and what needs to be done with
them. Misplacing Things Anyone can misplace their wallet or keys, but
eventually find them by reconstructing where they could have left them. A
person with Alzheimer's disease may put things down in inappropriate places --
an iron in the freezer, or a wristwatch in the sugar bowl -- and not be able
to retrieve them. Changes in Mood or Behavior Everyone has a bad day once in a
while, or may become sad or moody from time to time. Someone with Alzheimer's
disease can exhibit rapid mood swings for no apparent reason: e.g. from calm
to tears to anger to calm in a few minutes. Changes in Personality People's
personalities ordinarily change somewhat at different ages, as character
traits strengthen or mellow. But a person with Alzheimer's disease can change
drastically, becoming extremely irritable, suspicious or fearful. Loss of
Initiative It's normal to tire of housework, business activities or social
obligations, but most people regain their initiative. The person with
Alzheimer's disease may become very passive and require cues and prompting to
get them involved in activities.
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- These ten warning signs also may apply to dementias other than Alzheimer's
disease. People concerned about these warning signs should see a physician for
a complete examination.
Word Count: 496
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