Alzheimer's Disease in Oakbrook, IL
10 Early Signs of Alzheimer's and Dementia
Have you noticed your loved one struggling a bit more lately with everyday tasks? Perhaps they're forgetting things more than usual, or maybe they're often confused about time. It can be hard to know when normal aging stops, and something more serious might be developing. For caregivers, awareness of conditions like Alzheimer's and dementia is essential. Recognizing the early signs is the best way to get a proper diagnosis and find the right treatment. Learn the difference between Alzheimer's and dementia, and discover the ten early warning signs of Alzheimer's.What Are Alzheimer's and Dementia?
Alzheimer's disease and dementia are often associated with each other, but they have distinct differences. Dementia is a general term that refers to a decline in mental ability severe enough to interfere with daily life. It encompasses various symptoms such as memory loss, difficulty with language and communication, impaired reasoning and changes in behavior. Dementia is not a specific disease but rather a set of symptoms caused by different conditions.
On the other hand, Alzheimer's disease is a specific brain disease and the most common cause of dementia. It is characterized by progressive cognitive decline and may bring feelings of depression, apathy and confusion. Alzheimer's is a degenerative disease that affects the brain's structure, and while several symptoms overlap with general dementia, the terms should not be used interchangeably.
Meet Jack and Carla—Dedicated Family Caregivers
Siblings Jack and Carla have always been close with their mother, Mary. When they were young, she used to take them over to Ms. Cleo's to play in the garden and drive into town for some ice cream before going home. Even as they got older, Mom was always supporting them—cheering on their career goals and providing a shoulder to lean on. Today, Jack is 60 years old, Carla is 58 and their mother has just celebrated her 82nd birthday. Unfortunately, Jack and Carla are starting to suspect Mom has some new health problems. They're especially worried about dementia and Alzheimer's. Here's what they've noticed in their Mom:1. Significant Memory Loss
Memory loss that disrupts daily life is the first warning sign of early-onset Alzheimer's. While we're all forgetful sometimes, a poor memory shouldn't interfere with everyday tasks and responsibilities. Mom tends to forget appointments, repeat the same questions, and over-rely on reminders.2. Difficulty Solving Problems
Planning and problem-solving are crucial critical thinking skills. However, Alzheimer's can diminish one's ability to develop a plan and manage finances. It seems like every day Mom is finding it more and more difficult to follow a recipe, work with numbers and concentrate on daily tasks.3. Confusion About Time and Place
People developing Alzheimer's may struggle with their sense of place and time. They might lose track of the date more than a typical person would. Mom particularly struggles to understand the passage of time and sometimes gets confused when she sees her reflection.4. Problems With Visual and Spatial Awareness
Some Alzheimer's patients lose visual and spatial awareness. They may struggle with judging distance, determining color and parsing words. Mom can no longer drive safely and has a hard time judging the distance between her car, pedestrians and buildings.5. Decreased Ability for Good Judgment
An inability to make good decisions could be a sign of Alzheimer's disease. Today, Mom is less able to make good financial decisions and care for her personal hygiene. On one occasion, a scammer tricked her into letting him into her home.6. New Challenges When Completing Familiar Tasks
We all have our routines—some of which we've been repeating for years now. Mom suddenly has been having trouble completing these familiar tasks. Things like cooking, driving, using a cell phone and running errands have become almost impossible to complete without help.7. Misplacing Things
Another symptom of Alzheimer's, similar to memory loss, is frequently misplacing things. Mom is always asking where she put her car keys and has difficulty retracing their steps to find them.8. Trouble When Speaking or Writing
Alzheimer's can lead to new problems with verbal and written communication. Anymore, Mom is having a hard time following or joining a conversation and struggles to find the right words to express her thoughts. She sometimes stops in the middle of a conversation and feels the need to repeat herself.9. Mood or Personality Shifts
Alzheimer's can lead to shifts in mood and personality. Mom used to be cheery and carefree, but in the past few months, she's been getting upset easily, acting suspicious and experiencing symptoms of depression and anxiety.10. Withdrawal from Social Activities
Someone living with Alzheimer's may begin to withdraw from the activities they once enjoyed. Mom has little interest in hobbies and prefers to avoid social situations. While disinterest in social obligations is normal occasionally, it should not affect her relationships and overall well-being so much.Reach Out to BrightStar Care for Help
If your loved one is dealing with Alzheimer's symptoms and you need help meeting their care needs, reach out to BrightStar Care. Remember that a single individual may not experience all these symptoms at once, and they're more likely to have a combination of just a few. Our Oakbrook, IL team specializes in personal care, memory care and skilled nursing, and we'll work with you to design a plan that meets your loved one's needs. Contact us today to start discussing your options.