As we age, it can be normal to forget appointments occasionally, but when memory loss disrupts someone’s daily life, it 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. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, there are 10 common warning signs and symptoms of the onsite of Alzheimer’s. Sometimes, people fail to recognize these symptoms indicate something is wrong and mistakenly assume such behavior is a normal part of the aging process. Review the common symptoms of dementia, and if any sound familiar, don’t ignore them.
Memory loss that disrupts daily life
One of the most common signs of Alzheimer’s disease, especially in the early stage, is forgetting recently learned information, important dates or events, asking the same questions over and over, increasingly needing to rely on memory aids such as reminder notes or asking family members for things they used to handle on their own.
What’s a typical age-related change?
Sometimes forgetting names or appointments but remembering them later.
Challenges in planning or solving problems
Some people living with dementia may experience changes in their ability to develop and follow a plan or work with numbers. They may have trouble following a familiar recipe or keeping track of monthly bills. They may have difficulty concentrating and take much longer to do things than before.
What’s a typical age-related change?
Making occasional errors when managing finances or household bills.
Difficulty completing familiar tasks
People with Alzheimer’s often find it hard to complete daily tasks. Sometimes they may have trouble driving to a familiar location, organizing a grocery list, or remembering the rules of a favorite game.
What’s a typical age-related change?
Occasionally needing help to use microwave settings or to record a TV show.
Confusion with time or place
People living with Alzheimer’s can lose track of dates, seasons, and the passage of time. They may have trouble understanding something if it is not happening immediately. Sometimes they may forget where they are or how they got there.
What’s a typical age-related change?
Getting confused about the day of the week but figuring it out later.
Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships
For some people, having vision problems is a sign of Alzheimer’s. This may lead to difficulty with balance or 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.
New problems with words in speaking or writing
People living with Alzheimer’s may have trouble following or joining a conversation. They may stop in the middle of a conversation and have no idea how to continue, or they may repeat themselves. They may struggle with vocabulary, have trouble naming a familiar object, or use the wrong name (e.g., calling a “watch” a “hand-clock”).
What’s a typical age-related change?
Sometimes having trouble finding the right word.
Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps
A person living with Alzheimer’s disease may put things in unusual places. They may lose things and be unable to go back over their steps to find them again. They may accuse others of stealing, especially as the disease progresses.
What’s a typical age-related change?
Misplacing things from time to time and retracing steps to find them.
Decreased or poor judgment
Individuals 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.
Withdrawal from work or social activities
A person living with Alzheimer’s disease 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.
Changes in mood and personality
Individuals living with Alzheimer’s may experience mood and personality changes. They can become confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful, or anxious. They may be easily upset at home, with friends or out of their comfort zone.
What’s a typical age-related change?
Developing very specific ways of doing things and becoming irritable when a routine is disrupted.
Get checked. Early detection matters
If you notice one or more signs in yourself or another person, it can be challenging to know what to do. It’s natural to feel uncertain or nervous about discussing these changes with others. Voicing worries about your health might make them seem more “real.” Or, you may fear upsetting someone by sharing observations about changes in their abilities or behavior. However, these are significant health concerns a doctor should evaluate, and it’s important to take action to figure out what’s going on.
Memory care at The Arbor is available at:
- Wesley Lea Hill in Auburn
- Wesley at Tehaleh in Bonney Lake
- Wesley Des Moines
- Wesley Bradley Park in Puyallup
Contact Us
Do these behaviors sound familiar? Want to learn more about The Arbor Memory Care? Reach out to our caring team members today and let us help you navigate the best options for your family.