If you begin to suspect that your loved one is exhibiting signs of Alzheimer\u2019s disease, you shouldn\u2019t necessarily start to panic. Forgetfulness is a common occurrence among seniors – it\u2019s normal to misplace keys or forget the name of that new television show that was on last week.\u00a0 These are often referred to as \u201csenior moments.\u201d<\/p>\n
It\u2019s when memory loss starts to disrupt everyday life or worsens dramatically, affecting the ability to function at home or at work, that you should seek help for your loved one.\u00a0 The earlier you seek medical attention, the better chance they\u2019ll have of getting the best care and improving their quality of life.<\/p>\n
Age, family history and genetics are the primary risk factors for Alzheimer\u2019s, but issues like high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes and high cholesterol can also increase the risk.\u00a0 Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, staying connected with friends and family, and exercising both physically and mentally can help decrease the risk.\u00a0 There\u2019s also the rare condition of early-onset Alzheimer\u2019s, which generally affects patients whose parents or grandparents developed Alzheimer\u2019s at an early age.<\/p>\n
The Warning Signs of Alzheimer\u2019s Disease<\/p>\n
1)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Memory Loss<\/b> \u2013 It\u2019s common to experience forgetfulness as we age. But an Alzheimer\u2019s patient may not just misplace their keys, but store them somewhere odd like the refrigerator or dishwasher.\u00a0 They may be unable to go back and retrace their steps to find a lost item.\u00a0\u00a0 They might repeat themselves frequently or even forget entire conversations.<\/p>\n
2)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Difficulty performing familiar tasks<\/b> \u2013 People with Alzheimer\u2019s may begin to have trouble completing once routine activities, like cooking a meal or driving to a familiar location.\u00a0 Perhaps your loved one suddenly can\u2019t remember the rules to a favorite card game they\u2019ve been playing for years.<\/p>\n
3)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Confusion with time and\/or place <\/b>\u2013 People with Alzheimer\u2019s may lose track of what day or even what season of the year it is.\u00a0 The disease can disrupt brain activity so much that familiar surroundings seem strange, which can lead to a person forgetting where they are or how they got there.<\/p>\n
4)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Issues with speaking or writing <\/b>\u2013 Those with Alzheimer\u2019s may start to display problems with joining a conversation or expressing their thoughts successfully. They may struggle with vocabulary and have trouble finding the words to identify common objects, or even start calling things by the wrong name.<\/p>\n
5)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Personality or mood changes <\/b>\u2013 The brain changes that occur with Alzheimer\u2019s can alter someone\u2019s entire personality. They may suddenly experience mood swings or become depressed, anxious or fearful.\u00a0 They can become delusional; certain things are being stolen from their home. Their sleeping habits can change and they may start to wander at random times or become irritable and aggressive.<\/p>\n
These are just a few of the early warning signs of Alzheimer\u2019s disease. If you notice any of them in your loved one, don\u2019t\u2019 ignore them. Early detection will help them get the maximum benefit from the treatments available, which can result in relief of symptoms.\u00a0 It will also help them maintain their independence for as long as possible.<\/p>\n
American Senior Communities offers Auguste\u2019s Cottage Memory Care, a specialty program utilizing the social model philosophy of care. To learn more, visit www.ASCSeniorCare.com\/ac<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Facing Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia can feel overwhelming, which is why we are committed to evidence-based care and ongoing education and rely on these trusted organizations that provide families and caregivers with accurate information, research, educational resources, and support throughout the dementia journey.<\/p>\n Alzheimer\u2019s Association of Indiana<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n Alzheimer\u2019s.gov<\/a> (reports\/research)<\/span><\/p>\n AARP Dementia Resource Guide<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n