Overview of SymptomsFrom the even the earliest onset of Alzheimer's Disease, symptoms are clear visible. These symptoms range from memory issues, to physical issues, and even to emotional issues.
Woman with Alzheimer's recognizes her daughter
Episodic MemoryThe first impactful symptom is a progressive decline in episodic memory. Episodic memory is the memory of autobiographical events such as times, places, emotions, etc. Essentially, it is the memory associated with the who, what, when, where, and why knowledge. It is a collection of past personal experiences that occurred at a specific and memorable time and place. This can be shown in a range of ways including forgetting former friends, family members, important places, fond memories, holidays, anniversaries, and other important events from their past. (DeFina)
Semantic MemoryA symptom of Alzheimer's disease is the reduction of semantic memory and language. Semantic memory is declarative and explicit memory based upon world knowledge. It involves the memory of concrete facts, concepts, words, and meanings. This can be shown by being unable to associate something with another, being unable to categorize words or pictures, and the inability to problem solve and think with spontaneity. (DeFina)
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Short Term MemoryAn early symptom of Alzheimer's disease is the loss of short term memory. This can occur in a range of different ways, be it repeating themselves in a conversation, misplacing items, becoming lost while driving familiar routes, forgetting meals that are cooking and evidently burning them, and a difficulty in managing their finances. (DeFina)
Visuospatial FunctioningRegression of visuospatial functioning is another symptom of Alzheimer's Disease, though it mostly occurs over the course of the disease rather than in the early stages. Visuospatial functioning is the ability of one to visually perceive and interpret objects. This can generally be seen with a difficulty in identifying shapes, having difficulty understanding a sign, or the inability to match an object with a stimulus. (DeFina)
Extrapyramidal Motor Skills
A less well known symptom of Alzheimer's Disease is the emotional issues brought on by the disease. The mood and the personality of a person affected by the disease can change drastically. The person might show signs of depression, anger, suspicion of others, anxiety, or fearful. They might become easily upset by being put in situations in which they are not comfortable or are not familiar with. (DeFina)
Man struggling to remember how to use electronic device
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