November is National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month, and now is a great time to ensure you recognize some of the early signs of Alzheimer’s. Research shows that about 1 in 10 people over the age of 65 has Alzheimer’s. And the biggest risk factor for developing Alzheimer’s is age. Alzheimer’s home care provides specialized support and care strategies for seniors and their families.
So, as your senior parent gets older, you and your family members must know the early signs of Alzheimer’s. Your senior parent should be getting yearly screenings for Alzheimer’s disease, but if you notice your senior parent displaying any of the early signs of Alzheimer’s, you should get them checked out right away.
There is no cure for Alzheimer’s. But early diagnosis, medication, and lifestyle changes with help from Alzheimer’s home care providers may be able to slow down the progression of the disease.
Early Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease
You probably already know that frequent memory lapses are a sign of Alzheimer’s. But it can tough to tell if your senior parent is experiencing normal cognitive decline due to aging, or if they could have dementia. The early signs of Alzheimer’s that you should be watching for include:
Trouble with Everyday Tasks
A person with early Alzheimer’s might have trouble doing things they’ve done for years, like cooking a favorite meal, paying bills, or following a recipe. They might start something and forget what they were doing halfway through. These aren’t just simple mistakes. If they are forgetting the steps or how to finish something that used to be easy, those are warning signs.
Changes in Mood or Personality
Some people with early Alzheimer’s start acting differently from how they usually are. They might get upset easily, feel anxious, or seem more confused than normal. A calm person may suddenly become angry or scared for no clear reason. You might also notice them pulling away from friends or family and not wanting to do things they used to enjoy.
Problems with Words and Conversations
Everyone forgets a word now and then, but people with Alzheimer’s may have a hard time following or joining in on conversations. They might stop in the middle of a sentence, repeat themselves, or call things by the wrong name, like saying “watch-thing” instead of “clock”. They may also avoid talking because they’re afraid of saying the wrong thing.
If your senior parent has always been a talker, but you notice that they are more withdrawn, don’t join conversations, or are having trouble following simple sentences, it’s time for a cognitive screening.
Getting Lost or Confused About Time
A senior with early Alzheimer’s might forget what day it is, what season they’re in, or how much time has passed. They could miss appointments or show up at the wrong time. They may also get lost, even in places they know well, like their neighborhood or the local store. This kind of confusion is more serious than just being forgetful.
Poor Judgment or Bad Decisions
Another overlooked sign is making choices that don’t seem right. A senior might give away large amounts of money to strangers, fall for scams, or stop caring about things like grooming or dressing properly for the weather. They may also trust people they shouldn’t or make risky choices they never would have made before.
Don’t Put Off A Cognitive Screening
No one wants to face their senior parent getting diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. But if your senior parent is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, Alzheimer’s home care is available to help them. And help you. Many seniors are able to continue living independently if they have Alzheimer’s home care.
Don’t put off a cognitive screening for your senior parent because you’re worried about the results. Alzheimer’s home care and other supportive services can help if your parent does have Alzheimer’s. Schedule a screening today if they haven’t had one yet this year.
If you or an aging loved one is considering Alzheimer’s Home Care in Carmel Ranch, CA, please contact the caring staff at A Caring Touch Home Care today. Call (619) 344-0528
A Caring Touch Home Care is a Trusted Home Care Agency providing exceptional home care in Coronado, Del Mar/Del Mar Heights, Bonita, East Lake, La Jolla, Torrey Pines, Mt. Helix/La Mesa, Carlsbad, Oceanside, Carmel Ranch, Rancho Penasquitos, Point Loma, Rancho Santa Fe, San Diego, and surrounding areas.
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