June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month
Worldwide, more than 55 million people are living with Alzheimer’s or another dementia. In the US, rates are increasing. The good news is not everything is a sign of Alzheimer’s or dementia, but it’s important to know the signs. We found this information from the Alzheimer’s Foundation to be informative! *
What is the difference between Alzheimer’s and typical age-related changes?
10 Early Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer’s and Dementia
Memory loss that disrupts daily life may be a symptom of Alzheimer’s or other dementia. Alzheimer’s is a brain disease that causes a slow decline in memory, thinking and reasoning skills. There are 10 warning signs and symptoms. If you notice any of them, don’t ignore them. Schedule an appointment with your doctor.
1: Memory loss that disrupts daily life
Forgetting recently learned information; forgetting important dates or events; or asking the same questions over and over.
What’s a typical age-related change? Sometimes forgetting names or appointments but remembering them later.
2: Challenges in planning or solving problems
Some people living with changes in their memory due to Alzheimer’s or other dementia may experience changes in their ability to develop and follow a plan or work with numbers.
What’s a typical age-related change? Making occasional errors when managing finances or household bills.
3: Difficulty completing familiar tasks
People living with memory changes from Alzheimer’s or other dementia often find it hard to complete daily tasks.
What’s a typical age-related change? Occasionally needing help to use microwave settings or to record a TV show.
4: Confusion with time or place
People living with Alzheimer’s or other dementia can lose track of dates, seasons and the passage of time.
What’s a typical age-related change? Getting confused about the day of the week but figuring it out later.
5: Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships
Possibly experiencing vision changes. This may lead to difficulty with balance or trouble reading. They may also have problems judging distance and determining color or contrast, causing issues with driving.
What’s a typical age-related change? Vision changes related to cataracts.
6: New problems with words in speaking or writing
Having trouble following or joining a conversation. Stopping in the middle of a conversation and have no idea how to continue.
What’s a typical age-related change? Sometimes having trouble finding the right word.
7: Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps
Putting things in unusual places. They may lose things and be unable to go back over their steps to find them again.
What’s a typical age-related change? Misplacing things from time to time and retracing steps to find them.
8: Decreased or poor judgment
Individuals living with Alzheimer’s or other dementia may experience changes in judgment or decision-making. For example, they may use poor judgment when dealing with money or pay less attention to grooming or keeping themselves clean.
What’s a typical age-related change?
Making a bad decision or mistake once in a while, like neglecting to change the oil in the car.
9: Withdrawal from work or social activities
A person living with Alzheimer’s or other dementia may experience changes in the ability to hold or follow a conversation. As a result, they may withdraw from hobbies, social activities or other engagements. They may have trouble keeping up with a favorite team or activity.
What’s a typical age-related change? Sometimes feeling uninterested in family or social obligations.
10: Changes in mood and personality
Experiencing mood and personality changes. Becoming confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful or anxious.
What’s a typical age-related change? Developing very specific ways of doing things and becoming irritable when a routine is disrupted.
What to do if you notice these signs
If you notice any of the 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s in yourself or someone you know, don’t ignore them. Schedule an appointment with your doctor.
With early detection, you can explore treatments that may provide some relief of symptoms and help you maintain a level of independence longer.
CHEER has a full suite of services available to those experiencing Alzheimer’s or other dementia and to their family. For more information on our Adult Day Program, respite care (for caregivers) and in-home services, contact CHEER at 302-515-0001.
*Information taken from the Alzheimer’s Foundation website: alz.org/abam/overview.asp
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