World Alzheimer's Month gives us a chance to educate ourselves and be prepared to help loved ones. By catching early signs of Alzheimer's disease signs, you can seek medical advice and plan for the future. We want to help you recognize those early signs and understand what to do next.
Memory Loss
One of the most common early signs of Alzheimer's is memory loss. This is different from your typical forgetfulness. It's more severe and can affect daily life. People might forget recently learned information, repeatedly ask for the same information, or rely heavily on memory aids like notes or reminders. If you notice these signs in yourself or a loved one, take them seriously.
Confusion With Time or Place
Everyone sometimes forgets the day of the week, but people with Alzheimer's often lose track of dates, seasons, and passages of time. They might forget where they are or how they got there. For instance, they may get lost on familiar routes, forget how to get back home from common places, or lose track of dates and appointments.
Changes in Mood or Behavior
Sudden shifts in mood or behavior can also be an early sign of Alzheimer's. Individuals may become easily upset in places where they feel out of their comfort zone. They might become confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful, or anxious. Watch for unusual mood swings, withdrawal from social activities, or uncharacteristic anger or irritability.
Poor Judgment
Poor decisions can also be an early warning sign. This isn't about the occasional bad decisions we all make; it's a noticeable behavior change. Examples include mismanaging money, neglecting grooming and personal hygiene, or making unwise financial choices.
Difficulty With Words
People experiencing the early stages of Alzheimer's may struggle with vocabulary, have trouble following or joining a conversation, or stop in the middle of a sentence, unable to continue. You might notice them calling things by the wrong name, repeating themselves in conversation, or struggling to finish sentences.
Changes in Problem-Solving Skills
Individuals might find it hard to follow plans, work with numbers, or complete tasks that were once familiar to them, such as following a recipe or keeping track of monthly bills. Be aware of difficulty concentrating, taking longer to do things than usual, or struggling with familiar tasks.
What to Do Next
Recognizing the early signs of Alzheimer's is the first step. Early diagnosis is crucial.
- Consult a doctor. Schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider to discuss the symptoms you've noticed.
- Get tests done. The doctor may suggest cognitive tests, brain imaging, or blood tests to diagnose the issue.
- Plan ahead. Discuss future medical, legal, and financial planning. This can help manage the disease and reduce stress. As your loved one's needs change, you can work with a provider for a customized home care plan.
Are You Living With Alzheimer's?
Recognizing the early signs of Alzheimer's can make a huge difference. Pay close attention to memory loss, confusion, changes in mood, and other signs. Early diagnosis and planning can improve outcomes and provide peace of mind.
Remember, you don't have to navigate this journey alone. Reach out for the support and resources available to you and your loved ones. Senior Helpers Cerritos - La Palma - La Mirada can provide in-home care tailored to your needs in Cerritos, Buena Park, La Palma, La Mirada, and Lakewood. Contact us today.