Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It’s a progressive disease that destroys brain cells and leads to memory loss, cognitive decline, and, eventually, the inability to carry out daily activities. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, an estimated 6.2 million Americans aged 65 and older are living with the disease. It’s important to recognize the signs of Alzheimer’s early so appropriate treatment and care can be provided. Keep reading to learn about some of the most common signs of Alzheimer’s disease.
Memory Loss
One of the most common signs of Alzheimer’s disease is memory loss. It’s natural to forget things occasionally, but forgetting recently learned information or important dates and events is a cause for concern. Seniors with Alzheimer’s disease may ask the same questions repeatedly or forget important appointments. They may also forget the names of people they know well, including family members and close friends.
If your senior loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, help is just a phone call away. For reliable Senior Home Care, Pearland families can turn to Assisting Hands Home Care. We are a leading provider of professional home care designed to help seniors maintain a higher quality of life.
Difficulty with Familiar Tasks
Another common sign of Alzheimer’s disease is having difficulty performing familiar tasks. These include tasks the senior has been doing for years, such as cooking, cleaning, and driving. Older adults with Alzheimer’s may have difficulty remembering the steps involved in these tasks, or they may forget to complete them altogether.
Poor Judgment
Alzheimer’s disease can affect the ability to make good decisions. An aging adult with the disease may make poor financial choices, such as giving away large amounts of money or falling for scams. The individual may also dress inappropriately for the weather or engage in unsafe behaviors, such as leaving the stove on or wandering away from home.
A home caregiver can help your loved one age in place in safety and comfort. There are a variety of age-related health conditions that can make it more challenging for seniors to live independently. However, many of the challenges they face can be easier to address if their families opt for professional home care service. You can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep your loved one safe and comfortable while aging in place.
Changes in Mood & Personality
Seniors with Alzheimer’s disease may experience changes in mood and personality. They may become confused, anxious, or depressed. They may also become irritable, agitated, or aggressive, even in situations where they wouldn’t have reacted that way in the past.
Difficulty with Language
Alzheimer’s disease can affect the ability to communicate effectively. Your loved one may face difficulty finding the right words to express him or herself or forget the meaning of words he or she once knew. Your parent may also have trouble following a conversation or understanding what others are saying to him or her.
Misplacing Things
Older adults with Alzheimer’s may misplace things frequently. They might put items in unusual places or forget where they put them altogether. This can lead to frustration and confusion, especially when they need the items later on.
Changes in Spatial Awareness
Alzheimer’s disease can affect spatial awareness, making it difficult to judge distances and navigate the environment. Seniors with Alzheimer’s may find tasks such as driving, walking, or climbing stairs challenging. They may also have trouble recognizing familiar places or get lost in familiar surroundings.
Loss of Initiative
Seniors with Alzheimer’s disease may lose interest in activities they once enjoyed, such as hobbies, socializing, or even personal hygiene. They may become passive or withdraw from social situations altogether, which can lead to feelings of isolation and depression.
It’s important to note that not every senior with Alzheimer’s will experience all of these symptoms. The symptoms and their severity can vary widely from person to person. Additionally, some of these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions or medications, so it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional if your loved one is experiencing any of these signs.
Trained professional caregivers can be a fantastic resource when it comes to addressing age-related conditions in older adults. 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. Assisting Hands Home Care is a leading Pearland elderly home care provider. Families rely on our expertly trained caregivers to help their senior loved ones maintain a high quality of life. To learn more about our premier in-home care plans, call us at (281) 299-3151 today.
