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Main > Specialty Areas > Gerontology and Aging >
Symptoms of Alzheimer's
Alzheimer's is a disorder that gradually destroys cells in the brain. Alzheimer's disease progresses differently in each person who has it. Not everyone will have every symptom. The symptoms may occur at various times in different individuals. Symptoms of Alzheimer's disease are:
Loss of recent Memory
Difficulty in finding the right words or understanding what people are saying
Depression, anxiety, and personality changes may occur
Late in the disease, delusions and hallucinations are common
Problems with language, calculation, abstract thinking, and judgment
Difficulty in performing previously routine tasks
Changes in personality, mood and behaviour
Trouble knowing time, date, or place
Difficulty performing familiar tasks
Disorientation to time and place
Poor or decreased judgment
Problems with abstract thinking
Misplacing things
Loss of initiative
Later in the course of the disorder, affected individuals may become confused or disoriented about what month or year it is, be unable to describe accurately where they live, or be capable of correctly naming a place being visited. Eventually, patients may wander, be unable to engage in conversation, seem inattentive and erratic in mood, appear uncooperative, and lose bladder and bowel control. In extreme cases, persons may become totally incapable of caring for themselves, if the final stage is reached.
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Epinephrine shot If you are known to have a severe anaphylactic reaction, carry an epinephrine (adrenaline) shot with you at all times. Pay attention to expiration date and replace it regularly: upon expiration, it loses its effectiveness. |
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Acyclovir Acyclovir is a medication that is used to treat herpes infections of the skin, lips and genitals, chicken pox and shingles. It comes in the form of ointments, tablets, capsules or liquids. It relieves pain and itchiness and promotes healing; however, it does not cure the condition. Possible (but not common) side effects include headaches, upset stomach, vomiting and diarrhea. Severe side effects, such as severe rash or itching, blood in the urine, stomach pain or fever are even less common, but require prompt medical attention. |
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