Many families fear that their aging relative will be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Sometimes the fear of Alzheimer’s can cause people to ignore symptoms or rationalize them as being something else. Or, it could cause them to overreact to even the slightest slip of memory in an older adult. Knowing some of the early signs of Alzheimer’s disease may either put your mind at ease or allow you to get the help your older family member needs sooner. Below are some symptoms that indicate a need to see a doctor.
Memory Loss that Affects Daily Life
Everyone forgets the name of someone they know or misses an appointment from time to time. That’s normal. However, if the senior is experiencing memory loss that makes living a normal life difficult, it could be a bigger problem. In the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, it is common for an older adult to forget recently learned information. So, if they often forget the names of people they’ve just met or the dates of important events or appointments, it may be wise to have their memory assessed.
Difficulties Planning and Following Steps
Alzheimer’s disease impacts a person’s ability to solve problems and complete multi-step projects. The older adult may be unable to follow a recipe or balance their checkbook when these things once came easily to them.
Making Bad Decisions
People with Alzheimer’s disease sometimes have difficulty making good decisions. This can lead them to fall prey to scams. It can also mean doing things at home that are unsafe, like using appliances in an inappropriate manner. Poor decision making can also manifest as not taking care of themselves, such as neglecting to bathe or eat meals.
Withdrawing from Others
Alzheimer’s disease can cause a person to feel apathetic, lacking the energy to do the things they once enjoyed. Your aging relative may stop going to club meetings or engaging in hobbies. Part of the reason for this can be that they are aware of their memory loss and are afraid of embarrassing themselves in public.
If your older family member is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, home care can be an especially important part of the senior’s care. Home care agencies can help family caregivers to schedule trained and reliable staff members to spend time with the older adult, ensuring they are safe and comfortable even when a family member cannot be with them. By using home care, your older family member may be able to continue living at home for longer than they might otherwise be able to.
Sources
https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/10_signs
https://www.webmd.com/alzheimers/guide/early-warning-signs-when-to-call-the-doctor-about-alzheimers
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/what-are-signs-alzheimers-disease
IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE IS CONSIDERING HOME CARE IN LAS VEGAS, NV, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT GOLDEN HEART SENIOR CARE OF SUMMERLIN. 702-800-4616.