Alzheimer's Disease

Mum's getting chubbier each time I see her ... Many may think life's been good for her ... Well, I wished that's the case too ... However, according to her, it's the "气" that she suffered from constantly watching over dad (who is currently suffering from Alzheimer's Disease) that made her bloat ... Sigh ...

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive, degenerative disease of the brain in which brain cells die and are not replaced. It results in impaired memory, thinking and behaviour, and is the most common form of dementing illness.

WHAT ARE THE COMMON SYMPTOMS OF ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE?
- Confusion ... e.g. your wife always misplaces her keys. Last Tuesday she couldn't remember what the keys were for.
- Disorientation ... e.g. your grandfather likes to take daily strolls around the neighbourhood. But in the past month he's gotten lost four times and couldn't find his way home without help from a neighbour.
- Memory Loss ... e.g. your favourite uncle can't remember your name or names of your husband or children.

A list of common symptoms (some of them also may apply to other dementing illnesses) is shown below to help you know what warning signs to look out for. If you or your relative has several of these symptoms, consult a doctor for a complete examination.

The 10 warning signs of Alzheimer's disease are:
1) problem with recent memory
2) misplacing things
3) difficulty performing familiar tasks
4) problems with language
5) disorientation of place and time
6) poor or decreased judgement
7) problems with abstract thinking
8) changes in mood or behaviour
9) changes in personality
10) loss of initiative

If you have noticed that anyone around you seem to have shown any of the signs above more than often, please do not hesitate to suggest that they pay a visit to the doctor.