Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that is the most common cause of cognitive decline, especially in older adults. With the increasing prevalence of Alzheimer's disease, particularly in aging societies, it is crucial to understand its early symptoms. Early identification and intervention are vital for both patients and their families.

1. Early Symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease

1. Memory Impairment

Symptoms:

• Memory loss, especially short-term memory. Patients may forget recent events, such as conversations or scheduled activities.
• Repetitive questioning: Patients may ask the same questions repeatedly, even though they have already been answered.

Coping Strategies:

• Use calendars, memos, or smart devices to record important dates and tasks.
• Establish a fixed daily routine and reminders to help the patient remember important tasks.

2. Language Problems

Symptoms:

• Difficulty finding the right words during conversations; patients may use vague terms like "that thing" or "what’s it called" instead of specific names.
• Repeated questioning and losing track of topics, sometimes forgetting what they were talking about.

Coping Strategies:

• Communicate with patients using simple and clear language, avoiding complex sentence structures.
• Provide word prompts to help patients recall the correct vocabulary.

3. Decline in Judgment and Decision-Making

Symptoms:

• Making illogical decisions, such as financial mistakes or poor choices in daily activities like clothing and food.
• Difficulty making judgments in complex situations, often requiring assistance.

Coping Strategies:

• Help the patient set up simple and clear decision-making processes, such as centralizing financial management.
• Provide support and guidance in daily life to help the patient navigate decision-making difficulties.

4. Disorientation and Loss of Sense of Time

Symptoms:

• Patients may get lost in familiar environments and experience confusion about dates, seasons, or the time.
• They may frequently forget the current date or their location, and lack awareness of their surroundings.

Coping Strategies:

• Place visible clocks and calendars around the house to help the patient understand time and dates.
• Maintain a consistent daily routine to help the patient retain a sense of their environment.

5. Emotional and Behavioral Changes

Symptoms:

• Patients may experience mood swings, such as anxiety, depression, or irritability, and their personalities may undergo significant changes.
• They may lose interest in activities they once enjoyed and withdraw from social interactions.

Coping Strategies:

• Encourage social activities and family interactions to minimize social isolation.
• Provide emotional support, understanding the patient's mood changes, and seek professional psychological counseling and treatment when necessary.

6. Spatial Awareness and Visual Impairment

Symptoms:

• Patients may have difficulty judging distances, shapes, or colors, increasing the risk of falls and other accidents.
• They may struggle with recognizing familiar faces or objects, and experience difficulty interpreting complex images.

Coping Strategies:

• Create a safe living environment by reducing obstacles and potential hazards.
• Ensure adequate lighting and clear labels in the living space to help patients avoid getting lost or falling.

2. Medication Treatments

Currently, there is no cure for Alzheimer's disease, but medication can help alleviate symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. Common treatments include:

1. Cholinesterase Inhibitors

Examples: Donepezil, Galantamine, Rivastigmine

• Action: Cholinesterase inhibitors work by inhibiting the enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine, thereby increasing acetylcholine levels in the brain, which helps improve cognitive function, especially in memory and attention.

2. NMDA Receptor Antagonists

Example: Memantine

• Action: Memantine regulates glutamate activity in the brain, helping reduce neuronal damage, and is used for moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease.

3. Immunotherapy (New Drugs)

Example: Aducanumab

• Action: Aducanumab is a new immunotherapy drug that helps clear beta-amyloid plaques from the brain, slowing disease progression. It is primarily used for patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease.

Medication should be prescribed and monitored by a doctor, with regular assessments to evaluate efficacy and side effects, allowing for treatment adjustments.

3. Association Services and Support

For Alzheimer's patients and their families, obtaining professional support is crucial. Here are some important association services and support resources:

1. Alzheimer's Association

• Provides nationwide support services, including a 24-hour help hotline (1-800-272-3900) to answer questions and offer emotional support for family members.
• Offers educational resources such as online training courses and lectures to help the public understand the symptoms and treatments of the disease.
• Organizes support groups to provide a platform for families to share experiences and emotional support.

2. National Institute on Aging (NIA)

• Provides the latest research findings on Alzheimer's disease, helping the public and medical professionals stay updated on the latest information.
• Regularly publishes news on clinical trials, new drug developments, and societal awareness of Alzheimer's disease.

3. Cognitive Training and Mental Activities

• Some nonprofit organizations and medical institutions offer cognitive training programs to help patients maintain brain activity in the early stages.
• Memory exercises, puzzles, and games can stimulate cognitive function and delay disease progression.

4. Community Support Services

• Local communities offer day care and home care services, helping patients receive care at home and easing the caregiving burden on family members.
• Some areas have specialized nursing facilities that provide 24-hour care, offering professional medical and nursing services for patients as the disease progresses.

4. Conclusion

The early symptoms of Alzheimer's disease are diverse, and early recognition and intervention can help slow the progression of the disease and improve the patient's quality of life. Through medication, cognitive training, and full utilization of association and community support services, both patients and their families can receive effective help. Family support and understanding are essential for the patient's mental and physical health, and encouraging patients to maintain a positive attitude and social activities can help slow disease progression.

If you or your family member is experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned, it is recommended to seek medical advice early and pursue professional diagnosis and treatment.