As people age, it’s not unusual for them to experience mild absentmindedness or forgetfulness. These symptoms aren’t the same as Alzheimer’s. The symptoms of Alzheimer’s are more extensive and become progressively worse over time. By learning more about common symptoms associated with the disorder, families are more likely to detect when an aging loved one is in the early stages of Alzheimer’s.
1. Inability to Learn or Retain New Information
Short-term memory loss is one of the first symptoms of Alzheimer’s. Since seniors with this disease cannot retain fresh information, memories don’t get stored in the long-term memory center. As such, seniors may forget recently made appointments or events or the names of people they’ve just met. As the problem advances, seniors begin repeating statements during the course of conversations and repeatedly ask the same questions. Seniors with Alzheimer’s frequently lose personal items, and driving becomes difficult, as they can no longer remember the routes to and from once familiar locations.
2. Loss of Reasoning & Judgment
Seniors with Alzheimer’s lose what was once common sense and logic. They no longer understand certain actions pose personal risks. Decision-making skills diminish over time. Seniors may have difficulty making plans or attempting to complete tasks that require multiple steps. Finances may be impacted when older adults no longer remember to pay monthly bills. They might also spend more money than what they have readily available.
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. Visual-Spatial Impairments
The visual disturbances seniors with Alzheimer’s experience aren’t caused by anatomical changes in the eyes. The problem lies within the visual center of the brain, which has experienced neuron damage. The symptoms include not being able to differentiate between colors. Seniors may have difficulty managing steps or curbs due to a loss of depth perception. In time, they may not be able to find objects within close proximity.
4. Language Impairment
Language deficits are another early symptom of Alzheimer’s. Seniors with the disease frequently have difficulty finding the words they need at the moment and begin referring to common objects by the wrong names.
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. Reading & Writing Changes
Along with having difficulty with spoken words, seniors with Alzheimer’s begin losing the ability to comprehend written words, which makes reading difficult. The words no longer have meaning. Seniors may also mispronounce words, and they commonly exhibit spelling errors when writing.
6. Personality Changes
During the early phases of Alzheimer’s, it’s not uncommon for seniors to display frustration as they begin to understand what’s happening to their cognitive abilities. Seniors may become depressed or easily angered. As the disease progresses, many seniors display aggressive behavior or express suspicion of others during the afternoon. The issue is known as sundowning and typically begins during the middle of the afternoon. During the later phases of Alzheimer’s, seniors may resist maintaining personal hygiene or become angry or combative for no apparent reason. Some display compulsive behaviors, such as pacing or wandering.
Trained professional caregivers can be a great resource when it comes to managing agitation, confusion, and frustration 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 Clearwater home care service provider. Families rely on our expertly trained caregivers to help their senior loved ones maintain a high quality of life. If you need professional home care for your loved one, our Care Managers are just a phone call away. Reach out to Home Care Assistance today at (727) 330-7862.