Recognizing Early Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease

Occasional bouts of forgetfulness are common with aging. You may have trouble remembering someone’s name, where you left your keys, or what you walked into the room for, but it does come to you, and there is no serious negative impact on your daily life. But when you’re forgetting things more often, are late paying bills, get confused about where you are, find your phone in the refrigerator, or have difficulty finding the right words for things, it could be a sign that something more serious is going on, such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

November is National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month and a great time to brush up on some of the warning signs that may indicate issues with dementia. Here are some red flags to be aware of, whether for yourself or an aging parent:

• Persistent forgetfulness. This goes beyond just having trouble remembering something every now and then. You may find yourself becoming more reliant on putting reminders in your phone or writing things down so you don’t forget. You may ask the same question more than once because you can’t remember the answer or forget that you already asked.
• Trouble with directions. Going to a friend’s house may have been like second nature, but now you’re not quite sure where you were supposed to turn. Or you can’t recall exactly which buttons to push to turn on the tv, or what the rules are to your favorite game. You may also find that you don’t remember how you got somewhere, or don’t know how to get home.
• Poor judgment. You may be more susceptible to falling for scams or making poor choices when it comes to spending money. You may look back later and wonder what happened. In addition, you may have trouble figuring out how to dress appropriately for the weather or wear the same clothes a few days in a row.
• Word finding difficulties. Forgetting a word now and then is fine, but when you can’t think of what something is called or use the wrong names for objects, it can be frustrating. It feels like it’s on the tip of your tongue, but it just doesn’t come to you. You may also have trouble following along with a conversation and coming up with something relevant to add.
• Becoming more withdrawn. You may lack the interest or motivation to attend activities you once enjoyed. Perhaps it’s harder to keep up with what is going on, or you have trouble concentrating to do certain tasks. It can seem easier to just not do them anymore.
• Experiencing mood swings. Do you find yourself getting easily frustrated or upset doing normal activities? Are you suddenly anxious or fearful, even in your own home? These changes may come on suddenly and be unexpected or unprovoked.

These are just a few warning signs that could indicate the onset of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. It’s a good idea to talk to your doctor about any changes you or others notice in your behavior. But just because Alzheimer’s may be a possibility does not mean you can’t keep living safely on your own. Partnering with an in-home caregiver can give you the structure and level of support you need to continue aging in place. From assisting with meal prep and activities around the home, to escorting you on outings and reminding you about appointments, support from a caregiver can be tailored to your unique needs. Learn more about Always Best Care Senior Services and schedule a free consultation by calling (855) 470-2273 today.