How to Recognize the Signs of Alzheimer’s

Every 67 seconds someone in the United States develops Alzheimer’s (Alzheimer’s Association). Even more staggering, Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth leading cause of death in the U.S. and the only cause of death in the top ten that cannot be prevented, cured or slowed. Knowing how to recognize the signs of the disease, which is ultimately a form of dementia, can help you or a loved one get the professional help you need as soon as possible.

The Alzheimer’s Association has identified 10 signs of the disease.

1. Memory loss that disrupts daily life including forgetting important dates and events.
2. Challenges when working with numbers or following directions such as with recipes or balancing check books.
3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks such as remembering how to get to a familiar location when driving.
4. Confusion with time or place including not remembering where they are or how they got there.
5. Trouble with vision including judging distance, reading or comprehending images.
6. Newly developed problems with speaking or writing, including calling objects by the wrong name.
7. Misplacing items and putting the objects in odd places or losing the ability to retrace steps.
8. Decreased or poor judgment including grooming and personal hygiene or giving away large amounts of money without good reason.
9. Becoming withdrawn from work, social activities, or hobbies.
10. Unusual changes in mood and personality including confusion and irritability.

If you believe a loved one is showing signs of Alzheimer’s or dementia, it is ideal that you take them to see a doctor right away. Write down their symptoms so that you can share them with the physician during the appointment.

If your loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, the decision on how to best help them can be one that is both confusing and emotional. If you would like to gather facts about hiring an in-home nurse or caretaker, contact our team at 24/7 Nursing Care in Miami. Our free in-home consultations will give you more information on how this type of service works and will allow you to ask any questions that you might have.

References:

10 Early Signs & Symptoms of Alzheimer’s | Alzheimer’s Association. (n.d.). Retrieved February 24, 2016, from http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_know_the_10_signs.asp

Memory Loss & 10 Early Signs of Alzheimer’s | Alzheimer’s Association. (n.d.). Retrieved February 24, 2016, from http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_10_signs_of_alzheimers.asp#signs