If you, or someone you know, are suffering from Alzheimer’s, a type of dementia that affects memory and behavior, you’re aware of what a disruption it can be to your everyday life. As the person experiences a slow decline in brain functioning, it can be difficult to witness and often challenging to accept.
While there is no known cure today, there are warning signs and symptoms to look for so you can detect the disease early and develop a plan to manage your loved one’s care. Alzheimer’s and Dementia are not a regular part of aging. So, while there are some nuances that all aging adults experience, there are distinct differences in those Alzheimer’s indicators.
Read on for 10 Early Signs of Alzheimer’s and Dementia as described by the Alzheimer’s Association.
- Lapses in memory
Everyone can be forgetful, especially as you age. However, when you have trouble with your short-term memory, can’t remember important dates or events, or have to repeat your questions over and over, this could be cause for concern and something to discuss with a health care professional.
- Difficulty problem solving
If daily tasks like planning a schedule or balancing a checkbook become harder and harder to manage, this could be a sign of cognitive decline. Occasional errors can be due to regular aging, but when it disrupts daily life, this could be a larger issue like Alzheimer’s.
- Trouble with daily routine
Forgetting the directions to the grocery store, or having trouble washing the dishes, can be an alert that something may be wrong. It’s better to be safe and contact a doctor if you notice this type of behavior with a senior in your life.
- Confusion with time
Often individuals battling Alzheimer’s and Dementia will forget who the President is or what season of the year it is. If you notice this type of forgetfulness, you may want to seek a medical evaluation of your loved one.
- Vision and balance disruption
Seniors often like to keep driving well into their golden years, and it’s hard to take away their car keys – and their independence. However, if you notice they begin to have difficulty judging distances or losing their balance in and out of the car, it may be time to have them checked by a doctor.
- Problems with conversing
Individuals with Alzheimer’s often have trouble keeping their train of thought and often forget what they’re saying midway through a sentence. Further, they may forget the words for a familiar object or phrase. If you notice this happening with a loved one, consider seeking a medical opinion.
- Losing items
Everyone loses their keys from time to time. However, when you’re unable to retrace your steps, or you put something where it doesn’t belong – like a toothbrush in the refrigerator – that’s a different story and not part of the normal aging process. It’s important to stay in tune with your loved ones to spot the difference.
- Poor judgment
Signs of Alzheimer’s range in severity but if you notice a senior looking unkempt and not keeping up with their self-care or being careless in other aspects of their life like giving away large amounts of money, these could be red flags that they are experiencing symptoms of dementia.
- Trouble following along
Many of us have parents or grandparents who are diehard sports fans and root for their favorite teams. If you notice suddenly they don’t remember their favorite player, can’t remember the rules of the game, or no longer have a desire to watch, this could indicate they’re having memory or thinking issues.
- Changes in personality
It is known that shifts in mood are indicators of Alzheimer’s. If your loved one suddenly becomes more agitated or suspicious, and overall, not acting like themselves, it might be best to make an appointment with a health care professional.
No one wants to see their loved one’s emotional spirit slip away. Contact a medical professional for your loved one if you witness any of the above signs or symptoms.