While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, there are treatments and therapies that can slow the worsening of dementia symptoms and improve the quality of life for those with the disease and their caregivers. If you suspect your loved one is showing symptoms of Alzheimer’s, it is extremely important to be proactive by getting them to their physician, and if a diagnosis is made, to get a care team and plan in place as soon as possible.
First, know these 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s:
1. Memory loss that disrupts daily life: not remembering recent events, names, where things go, and other new information.
2. Challenges in planning or solving problems: Having trouble following a familiar recipe or keeping track of monthly bills, difficulty concentrating and taking much longer to do things than previously should be taken seriously.
3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home or at work.
4. Confusion about time and place: People with Alzheimer’s can lose track of dates, seasons and the passage of time.
5. Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships: look for difficulty reading, judging distance and determining color or contrast.
6. New problems with words in speaking or writing: Signs include trouble finding the appropriate words, completing sentences, and following directions and conversations.
7. Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps: People with Alzheimer’s may put things in unusual places, or accuse others of stealing.
8. Decreased or poor judgment when making decisions: There may be issues with monetary scams or less attention to grooming and hygiene.
9. Withdrawal from work or social activities.
10. Changes in mood or personality: Signs include increased depression, fearfulness, anxiety or suspicion, rapid and persistent mood swings, withdrawal and disinterest in usual activities.
If your loved one is displaying any of these warning signs, have them evaluated by a physician and screened for Alzheimer’s. It is important to remember that Alzheimer’s disease is not a normal part of the aging process, and it should not be mistaken for basic forgetfulness. Every person may experience one or more of these signs in different degrees, but with Alzheimer’s disease, these symptoms gradually increase and become more persistent.
If you or your loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or a related dementia, know that you are not alone. For more information or to explore care options, call Visiting Angels at 661-263-2273 or check out www.visitingangels.com.