Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s & How to Recognize Them

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Early Symptoms of Alzheimer's & How to Identify Them in Des Moines, IA

Memory loss is the most well-known early symptom of Alzheimer’s disease, but it’s not the only one. It’s important for caregivers to understand the symptoms of this condition so they can watch for the warning signs and help their senior loved ones stave off cognitive decline. Here are some of the early signs of Alzheimer’s disease.

Disruptive Memory Loss 

Some loss of memory is normal as people age. However, if memory loss begins to disrupt daily life, it may be a symptom of Alzheimer’s disease. A person with standard age-related memory loss might forget a name or appointment in the moment but recall the information later. In contrast, seniors with early signs of Alzheimer’s often forget information they just learned, ask others to repeat statements, or rely on caregivers, friends, or family members to remember important information.  Seniors living with Alzheimer’s disease can benefit from professional in-home care. Although it may be challenging to find reliable, highly rated at-home care, you can turn to Home Care Assistance. Our respite and live-in caregivers are expertly trained to assist seniors with a wide array of important tasks, including cooking, bathing, light housekeeping, and exercise.

Spatial & Visual Issues 

Spatial issues are another early sign of Alzheimer’s disease, and they can manifest in a variety of ways, ranging from driving difficulties to an inability to parse written sentences. Seniors in the early stages of Alzheimer’s may also have difficulty understanding colors and contrast or lose the ability to judge distance. These visual issues are distinct from age-related vision loss, which is often caused by cataracts.

Impaired Problem-Solving Skills 

The memory loss associated with Alzheimer’s disease can make it difficult to follow a plan or a series of steps. Family caregivers should be concerned if their loved ones are suddenly unable to follow recipes, perform simple calculations, or concentrate on tasks they could previously complete easily.  In the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, seniors often take a long time to perform tasks they used to do in minutes because their planning and problem-solving skills are impaired. An ordinary senior might make a few mistakes while balancing his or her checkbook, but a senior with Alzheimer’s disease may not be able to balance the checkbook at all. Alzheimer’s disease can also affect your loved one’s ability to perform daily tasks independently, and you may need to hire a professional caregiver to help. There are a variety of age-related health conditions that can make it more challenging for seniors to live independently. However, many of the challenges they face can be easier to manage if their families opt for professional senior home care. Des Moines families can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep their loved ones safe and comfortable while aging in place.

Limited Understanding of Time

Seniors in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease often lose track of time and space. They forget what time it is, where they are, and how they arrived there. They may understand what’s happening in the present, but they may not be able to comprehend the passage of time. Some seniors forget dates or times on occasion, but they usually recall them later on. However, older adults in the early stages of Alzheimer’s show a limited understanding of time, and they’re unlikely to recall details once they’ve been forgotten.

Diminished Vocabulary 

Alzheimer’s disease often affects a senior’s verbal dexterity. The senior might be unable to find the right word, get lost in the middle of a conversation, or use malapropisms. Repeated words also indicate the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. When seniors start talking in circles or using incorrect words, caregivers should be concerned.  Alzheimer’s can be challenging for seniors to manage without assistance, and it can be just as challenging for families who don’t have experience in providing Alzheimer’s care. Des Moines Home Care Assistance provides Alzheimer’s care seniors and their families can depend on. Our proprietary Cognitive Therapeutics Method was designed to help seniors with Alzheimer’s and other memory-related conditions live happier and healthier lives. Call one of our friendly Care Managers at (515) 264-2438 to schedule a free consultation.

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