Identifying Early Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer’s
Memory troubles that interfere with daily living may be a sign of Alzheimer’s or other dementias. Alzheimer’s is a brain disorder that causes a gradual decline in memory, thinking, and reasoning skills. Usually, the early signs are not always easy to recognize. The stages of Alzheimer’s do not always follow the same path. Therefore, you can learn more about this condition so you can support your loved one as the disease unfolds.
1. Memory loss that disrupts daily life: Typically forgetting names, words, or appointments and remembering them later can be a part of the changes we experience as we age. However, if you seem to forget recently learned information, important dates, events or appear to be asking the same questions repeatedly and having to rely on others or memory aids to manage things you used to do on your own, can signify an early stage of Alzheimer’s disease. These signs must not be ignored, and you must seek professional medical help.
2 Challenges in planning or solving problems: Some people living with dementia may encounter changes in their ability to develop and follow a plan, stay organized, or work with numbers. They may forget to keep appointments or even pay their bills. They may start having trouble concentrating and take much longer to do things that they did before. Support your loved ones by being their “memory” for them, and ensure they pay bills and get to appointments on time.
3 Challenge with completing familiar tasks and confusion with place or time: Your loved one may have trouble driving to a familiar location, organizing a grocery list, or remembering the rules of a favorite game. They can lose track of time, dates, and seasons. They may find themselves in places and not remember where or how they got there.
4 Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships such as difficulty judging distance and determining color or contrast, causing concerns with driving.
5 New problems with words in speaking or writing: Your loved one may start having trouble following a conversation. They may stop in the middle of a conversation and have no idea how to proceed or they may repeat themselves. They may struggle with vocabulary, have trouble naming a well-known object, or use the wrong names (e.g., calling a “watch” a “hand-clock”) for objects.
6 Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps: your loved one may misplace things and may not be able to retrace their steps to locate them again. They may blame others for stealing from them, especially as the disease progresses.
7 Decreased or poor judgment: Your loved one may experience changes in judgment or decision-making such as ignoring their hygiene, not managing money, or their finances well.
8 Withdrawal from work or social activities and personality changes: You may start noticing that your loved one becomes increasingly withdrawn from hobbies, social activities, or other engagements. Your loved one may also experience mood and personality changes. They can become confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful, or anxious. They may be easily upset at home, with friends, or when out of their comfort zone.
Don’t forget we are here to help you as you go through these difficult times. Contact us to learn more about how we can develop an individualized plan tailored to your unique needs. Our Caregivers have specialized Dementia training and can assist you and your loved ones each step of the way. Our services includes Respite Care, memory /dementia care.
