Clues about the Cause

Scientists are not sure about the cause. Age and family history have been identified as possible risk factors. Researchers have been able to rule out certain conditions common to other diseases as factors that do not cause AD.

Alzheimer’s Disease is not caused by:

Hardening of the arteries.
Under use or overuse of the brain.
Sexually transmitted diseases.
Infection.
Old age. It is not part of the ageing process.
Exposure to aluminium or other metals.
Warning Signs or symptoms

The following symptoms are a checklist for you. If you have some of these do not ignore it as a sign of the ageing process but check with your doctor. You can notice both cognitive and behavioural problems.

Memory Loss : This gets to be distinctly different from the absentmindedness most people have. When you start forgetting familiar details like names of the members of your family or of friends or your home phone number.

Problems with familiar tasks : You may find yourself unable to tie your shoe laces, something you have done almost every morning of your life. Or may find yourself trying to write with a knife instead of pen.

Personality and Mood Changes : You can undergo a drastic personality change. A quiet and courteous person can turn an impatient and aggressive one. Rapid, unexplained mood changes are also part of the AD pattern.

Language problems : You might find it difficult to find the right word even in simple conversation. You may find difficulty in expressing your ideas.

Abstract Thinking impairment : Simple calculations become confusing.

Disorientation : Forgetting the day of the week or the date is not uncommon but getting lost in your own neighbourhood or mistaking morning for evening is.

Misplacing things : Everybody misplaces a book, paper or keys. But if you found that you have put your watch in the fridge or milk in the clothes cupboard and cannot even remember when you did it, you have got a problem

Judgement Problems : You might find that you are making the wrong decisions over simple tasks. Like watering plants on a rainy day or waiting for the postman knowing that it is Sunday.