The Alzheimer’s Checklist: Warning Signs

A common mental disorder that is a result of aging is called Alzheimer’s disease, which, sadly, causes the steady loss of brain cells.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, about four and a half million people in the U.S. are suffering from this particular disorder. In some respects it is a mystery disease. It has several types manifestations and there is no known cure. Still, research is assisting us in understanding Alzheimer’s more in depth and discovering new and better treatments.

The worst manifestations of Alzheimer’s disease can be extremely heartbreaking to those who are around a loved one.

Alzheimer’s disease generally starts out subtly in the beginning and then worsens as more and more brain cells are depleted.

Here are some warning signs of Alzheimer’s. If you see several of these in your parent or loved one, it’s time to take them to a geriatric physician:

- Memory loss

- Difficulty performing familiar tasks

- Problems with language

- Disorientation of time and place

- Poor or decreased judgment

- Problems with abstract thinking

- Misplacing things

- Changes in mood or behavior

- Changes in personality

- Loss of initiative

If you find yourself being resentful your parent for being ill or the rest of your siblings for not shouldering this burden, do not feel guilty; these feelings are completely normal. The primary caregiver generally feels the most manipulated, hated and abused. If you feel yourself about to become abusive, step back and then seek help immediately to help manage your anger.

You may feel that the constant lectures you continue to give are in vain and the verbal abuses you are subjected to are starting to taint the faith with which you had entered into this situation. You must simply change your mind and alter your perspective. Take the high road and then urge you’re compassion’s return. Imagine how you would react if you were in your parent’s situation. Remember that it is the illness you hate, not the person. When your ill parent finally passes away, you certainly do not want to feel guilty about how you treated them. This could be one of the greatest tests of character you will ever have to face in your life.

When elderly parents start to fall ill, it is very important to provide them with frequent trips to the doctor as well as the proper dietary supplements. Although a daily multivitamin was once thought to be the only supplement one needed to stay healthy, medical wisdom is now shifting somewhat. Specialists in a number of fields including neurology, oncology and internal medicine are now including the use of Omega-3 Fatty Acids from fish oil into some of their medical protocols.

Fish Oil is very rich in the long chain omega-3 fatty acids known as DHA and EPA, which are known to support the brain, heart, immune system, joint movement and overall sense of well-being.

For further information go to Fish Oil Newsand find out some additional facts about aging and the possible effect of fish oil on Alzheimer’s.

This Article first appeared in the October 2004 Zone Net Newsletter.