Early Signs of Alzheimer's

Because November is National Alzheimer’s Disease Month, our advisors at Senior Living Experts want to provide you with the early signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease. Alzheimer’s Disease is the most common type of dementia, and it is a brain disease that causes memory loss over time. 

Slow decline in memory that affects daily life

If your loved one tends to forget important dates,  or relies on memory aids, such as reminder lists and electronic reminders, that may be an early sign of Alzheimer’s. Forgetfulness happens to the average person, however, if you also notice personality changes, increased anxiety, and ruminating thoughts, it may be time to see a Neuropsychologist. 

Additionally, if your loved one has trouble with problem solving or sticking to a plan, this may be considered an early symptom. For example, if the senior forgets how to manage their finances, we would advise you to keep watch of these instances occurring more than once. 

If they are starting to forget how to do familiar tasks, this is something that should be closely monitored, as well. You should begin the Memory Care conversation if familiar tasks, such as forgetting how to work with microwave settings, creating a grocery list, or playing their favorite game has become difficult. 

Trouble understanding space and time

People showing early signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s may forget where they are, how they got there, what day it is, or anything else relating to location and time. Sometimes the average person may temporarily forget the day of the week, but if it happens every day or multiple times a day, then it should be a concern. 

Misplacing or putting things in odd places can also be an early symptom. The average person may find themselves putting milk in a cabinet, but as mentioned previously, the frequency and severity of these occurrences is what should be monitored. 

Early signs of Alzheimer’s may also include not being able to stay balanced, or understand spatial relationships,  and visual cues. An example of this would be if a senior struggles to read. 

Confused speech

Seniors who have trouble telling stories, or speaking in chronological order,  may be experiencing Alzheimer’s symptoms. They may repeat themselves, or stop speaking mid-conversation because they do not know how to continue. Vocabulary can also become confusing to them, as they may not be able to recall the names of things such as a “clock” or a “sidewalk”. Aphasia is the inability to express speech, and this becomes quite common with the onset of Alzheimers. 

Mood changes

Those with Alzheimers  may seem more depressed, anxious, or frustrated. This can happen when they are at home or doing something outside of their comfort zone.

You may notice personality changes as well. The person may feel overwhelmed with the changes they are experiencing. Make sure to support them and guide them towards helpful resources which assist in additional support. It is also important to consider Memory Care as an option, and become educated on communities in your area which offer this level of care. 

Our advisors at Senior Living Experts are always available to help you through the Memory Care process. For more information, contact www.seniorlivingexperts.com or call us at 773-231-7212.