One of the sneaky illnesses striking the elderly is Alzheimer’s disease and it grabs a hold of their entire life. Recognizing the signs of Alzheimer’s disease help to take charge of the situation and address the circumstances before it gets more severe due to the symptoms coming in stages. It is crucial for you to get the aid your elderly needs before the disease takes over their life.
What is Alzheimer’s Disease?
Dementia and Alzheimer’s are not two different illnesses. Alzheimer’s disease is a type of dementia which causes problems with memory, behavior, and thinking and is the most common form of it. Alzheimer’s is not always going to occur after a certain age, but it does worsen over time. The stages of Alzheimer’s disease are similar to those of dementia.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, but Las Vegas does have one of the most prestigious hospitals in the country to study brain diseases. The Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health is working to pursue a cure every day and treats many patients with this debilitating disease. Other options for relief are through memory exercises and even trying gardening to bring back memories.
Signs of Alzheimer’s to Look for
Due to the severity of how quickly the disease progresses, knowing the signs of Alzheimer’s helps you address the situation before it progresses further more and becomes more harmful.
These symptoms could begin in very subtle ways that are easy to dismiss. But, if they keep recurring and get worse over time, be sure to schedule an appointment with your doctor immediately to test the health of your brain. The earlier the diagnosis, the sooner you can begin fighting the disease to keep your loved one more coherent for longer.
Memory loss disrupting daily life
The most common symptom is forgetting recently learned information about important events or dates. They may ask over and over for the same information and even rely on their family to start making sure they show up at their appointments and run errands they’ve forgotten.
Problem-solving and planning challenges
Sufferers of Alzheimer’s experience changes and difficulty following a plan or working with numbers. They forget ingredients in a recipe or begin to lose track of monthly bills and their costs. Tasks take longer to complete than they used to. They start to have difficulty completing familiar and straightforward functions at home or work. Sometimes they get lost driving to a usual place or remembering a word to finish a thought. They may need occasional help setting the microwave or recording a television show.
Time and place confusion
People with Alzheimer’s can quickly forget the day of the week, month, or even year. They remember what season it is. Sometimes they forget where they are and how they got there.
Vision impairments
For some, a sign of Alzheimer’s is difficulty reading, judging distance and perception, and development of cataracts.
Issues with speaking and writing
Your loved one may begin having trouble following or joining a conversation. They may stop in the middle of a sentence and have no idea how to continue or may repeat themselves. They also struggle to find the right word or call things by the wrong name.
Inability to retrace their steps and misplacing things
They may put things in unusual places and are unable to think back to where they went to find them again. They may accuse others of stealing their items, and this could occur more frequently over time.
Poor judgment and decision-making
They could become less careful with money, buying into a scam on the web or over the phone. Their personal hygiene may also decline, showering less or ignoring grooming.
Social withdrawal
You may notice them drop out of hobbies, exercise or other social activities. They may no longer feel comfortable being social because they see their behaviors have begun to change and may be embarrassed or ashamed.
Changes in personality and mood
People with Alzheimer’s begin to exude agitation—getting angry unexpectedly and even physically violent, making it difficult for loved ones to give care. They become confused, suspicious, depressed, scared and anxious.
Adult Daycare Help with Cognitive Exercises for Alzheimer’s
Our elderly care program offers individuals with the assistance of daily life if they are have Alzheimer’s disease. We also provide aid for caregivers with how to care for their loved one with dementia. Stop by one of our three adult daycare locations today!
