An estimated 5.5 million Americans over the age of 65 have Alzheimer’s disease, which is a condition that affects connections in the brain. Though forgetfulness is often associated with the disease, Alzheimer’s has other signs and symptoms as well. If you believe your aging loved one may have Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, watch for the following signs and talk with his or her doctor as soon as possible.
1. Memory Loss that Disrupts Everyday Life
Everyone occasionally forgets an appointment or why he or she walked into a room. However, memory loss that’s severe enough to interrupt everyday life isn’t normal and may be a sign of Alzheimer’s. For instance, you may notice your loved one frequently forgets recently learned information, such as a newly scheduled doctor’s appointment or family news.
2. Difficulty Completing Regular Tasks
Forgetting how to do familiar tasks he or she has performed for years is also a sign that something may be going on with your loved one. For example, your loved one may forget how to get to the doctor although he or she has been driving to the same office for years, or he or she may inquire about the rules for a familiar game.
If your loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, help is just a phone call away. For reliable Alzheimer’s care, Lakewood families can turn to Home Care Assistance. We are a leading provider of professional memory care designed to help seniors maintain a higher quality of life. In addition to Alzheimer’s care, we also provide comprehensive dementia, Parkinson’s, and stroke care. From revolutionary care programs to compassionate and dedicated caregivers, we can meet all of your Alzheimer’s care needs.
3. Confusion about Time and Place
Your loved one may frequently forget dates, the season, and even the year, causing him or her to not realize how much time has passed since certain events. You may notice your parent get upset if something planned for the future doesn’t happen immediately. As the disease progresses, your loved one may begin to wander and forget where he or she is and how he or she got there.
4. Frequently Misplaced Items
Frequently misplacing things is more than just occasionally leaving a set of keys in the wrong spot. Seniors with Alzheimer’s often put items in strange locations. For instance, you may find your loved one’s wallet in the freezer or an important medication in the pantry. After losing an item, your loved one may have difficulty retracing his or her steps when trying to locate the missing object.
Caring for senior loved ones can be challenging for families who don’t have expertise or professional training in home care, but this challenge doesn’t have to be faced alone. Family caregivers can turn to Home Care Assistance for the help they need. We provide high-quality live-in and respite care as well as comprehensive Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care.
5. Difficulty Understanding Spatial Relationships
Vision issues often occur with Alzheimer’s disease. Many older adults experience changes in vision that may require eyeglasses or surgery. Alzheimer’s disease causes changes in vision related to spatial relationships, which may make it difficult for your loved one to judge the distance between his or her car and other vehicles while driving.
6. Withdrawal from Social Activities
Seniors need to stay socially active as they age. Being social can prevent feelings of isolation and depression that often occur during the senior years. However, seniors with Alzheimer’s may withdraw socially. Your loved one may stop attending card games with friends or activities at the senior center. This withdrawal often occurs because seniors become embarrassed about their forgetfulness.
Trained professional caregivers can be a great resource when it comes to addressing age-related health conditions in seniors. There are many reasons seniors might need assistance at home. Some may require regular mental stimulation due to an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, while others might only need part-time assistance with exercise and basic household tasks. Home Care Assistance is a leading Lakewood senior home care provider. Families rely on our expertly trained caregivers to help their senior loved ones maintain a high quality of life. To create a customized home care plan, call Home Care Assistance at (303) 987-5992 today.