6 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s in Elderly People

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Alzheimer’s Warning Signs in Older People in Tampa Bay, FL

Just about everyone has moments of forgetfulness, such as forgetting to turn off the iron, lock the door, or shut off the stove. However, severe memory loss, especially in aging adults, may be a sign of something more serious, such as Alzheimer’s. Here are six signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease in seniors you should know about so you can identify them in your aging loved one.

1. Significant Memory Loss

Alzheimer’s-related memory loss is more significant than the simple forgetfulness that affects almost everyone now and then. If your loved one forgets his or her phone number, address, or birthday or asks the same questions over and over, make an appointment with his or her physician. While impaired cognition and memory can be linked to certain medical conditions, they are also strongly associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

2. Changes in Personality

As Alzheimer’s progresses, seniors may become anxious, suspicious of others, combative, agitated, depressed, and confused. These issues may progress to physical altercations with family members and caregivers, so at the first sign of personality changes in your loved one, seek medical attention.

If your senior loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, help is just a phone call away. For reliable Alzheimer’s care, Clearwater 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. Vision Impairment

Seniors with Alzheimer’s disease may have visual issues that aren’t due to eye conditions common among elderly people, such as age-related macular degeneration and cataracts. Those with Alzheimer’s may have difficulty distinguishing between colors, problems with depth perception, challenges with judging distances, and issues with reading. They may also be unable to differentiate between a reflection in a mirror and an actual person standing in the room.

4. Social Isolation

As Alzheimer’s disease progresses, aging adults may show a lack of interest in activities that once were exciting for them. They may become socially isolated and prefer being alone instead of spending time with family and close friends. For example, people with Alzheimer’s may decline social invitations to play cards or bingo, not because they don’t want to participate but because they’ve forgotten how to play and are embarrassed.

Caring for a senior loved one 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 Clearwater 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 Dressing

Seniors who have developed Alzheimer’s may be unable to make clothing choices or tie shoelaces, fasten undergarments, or button blouses. They may also wear the same clothes day after day and might be unaffected by wearing soiled or torn items. 

6. Loss of Interest in Grooming & Hygiene

Aging adults with Alzheimer’s may forget to bathe, brush their teeth, clip their nails, or comb their hair. Neglecting hygiene is a health hazard because skin and gastrointestinal infections can occur. If your loved one shows little interest in grooming and hygiene, seek medical attention right away.

Trained professional caregivers can be a great resource when it comes to managing age-related 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 elder care provider. Families rely on our expertly trained caregivers to help their senior loved ones maintain a high quality of life. If your loved one needs professional home care, Home Care Assistance is here to help. Call one of our dedicated Care Managers today at (727) 330-7862 to learn about the high quality of our in-home Alzheimer’s care services.

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