Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive, degenerative disorder that attacks the brain’s nerve cells, or neurons, resulting in loss of memory, thinking and language skills, and behavioral changes. A brain autopsy identified the plaques and tangles that today characterize Alzheimer’s disease.
Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease vary and may include:
- Memory loss. Repetitive questions and comments.
- Problem solving. Difficulty with planning events; Balancing a checkbook.
- Daily tasks. Can’t remember how to do tasks: Preparing meals; mowing the lawn.
- Confusion with time or place. Missing appointments; getting lost when driving or walking.
- Can’t remember or understand words; Difficulty following conversations.
- Misplacing items. Hiding items; Inability to retrace steps to locate items.
- Poor judgment. Makes questionable decisions; Vulnerable to scams; Mishandles money.
- Personality changes. Mood swings; Paranoid; Fearful; Depressed.
- Isolation. Withdraws from friends and family; Doesn’t participate in social activities.
Are you concerned about memory loss? Contact Lehigh Center for Clinical Research to apply for this study.
