Are (1) irritability, (2) unreasonableness (over matters he was previously neutral about), (3) sleeping a lot (about 9 hrs/night *and* 2 hrs/day nap), (4) total lack of sense of smell, and (5) nearly-constant humming (not really humming but don't know what else to call it; almost sounds like chuckling) signs of Alzheimers? He does have tinnitus which usually makes *anybody* irritable & which the dr. says there is nothing to be done about; but he's had tinnitus for years & the first 3 things I mentioned have really increased starting a couple of years ago and numbers 4 and 5 started about a year ago. Oh, he's 73, by the way.
People with tinnitus sometimes have low levels of zinc in their blood. Low zinc levels can also cause a loss of the sense of smell.
About half of people with tinnitus find some relief with zinc supplementation. Your dad might want to ask his doctor about it. I don't think zinc can hurt you unless you take a whole lot of it.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12544035
If his doctor doesn't know about zinc levels (they don't do a deep dive into nutrition in medical school)- he might want to consult a naturopath.
Top 10 Early Signs of Alzheimer’s
Although Alzheimer’s impacts everyone differently, the disease does show some early signs and symptoms. Here’s a list of the top 10 early signs of Alzheimer’s that may indicate the disease is present:
1. Difficulty remembering things that just happened.
Forgetting dates or events; repeatedly asking for the same information and relying more and more on family members or reminder notes to handle daily tasks.
2. Inability to plan or solve problems.
Struggling to track monthly bills or solve simple math problems. Taking longer to do these things may be another sign.
3. Losing track of dates, seasons and time.
If it isn’t happening right now, Alzheimer’s sufferers may not understand it. Forgetting where they are and how they got there are also common symptoms.
4. Misplacing things.
Putting items in unusual places; struggling to retrace steps to look for a lost item and, in some cases, accusing others of stealing.
5. Mood and personality changes.
Alzheimer’s can produce anxiety, confusion, depression or suspicion. It can make people become upset much more easily, especially when they’re away from home.
6. Poor decision-making.
Having poor judgment with money or frivolously giving it away. Some people with Alzheimer’s may stop grooming habits or keeping themselves clean.
7. Struggling with conversations.
Challenges with vocabulary, such as calling things by the wrong name, inability to follow or join a conversation and repeating the same stories.
8. Trouble completing familiar tasks.
Trouble driving to a familiar place, forgetting how to cook a simple meal or remembering the rules of a favorite game.
9. Vision problems.
Having difficulty identifying colors or contrasts, judging distance or reading. Poor driving may result.
10. Withdrawal from social or work activities.
Failing to complete work assignments, giving up hobbies or avoiding social situations.
Loss of sense of smell is also associated with a much higher risk of a person getting Alzheimer's or dementia down the road.
Wishing you the best of luck!
Since I assume he hasn't been diagnosed with any cognitive issues yet, get him in for a complete physical. Taking the leap to Alzheimer's is a bit much with no actual diagnosis.