What is Alzheimer's?
Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease that mainly affects the memory of individuals over the age of 65. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease doubles about every five years for those over the age of 65. The risk determining factors of Alzheimer’s are usually; age, gender, and genetic inheritance. Since Alzheimer’s does not have a cure, understanding Alzheimer’s symptoms is essential so you can catch it early on to assist your loved one. Here are the following symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease to be on the lookout for:
Understanding Alzheimer's Symptoms
Forgetting Common Tasks
One of the most common signs of Alzheimer’s is memory loss that disrupts daily life. For example, your loved one may forget important dates, appointments, and events. Ultimately leading your loved one to rely on you or family members and memory aids to help remind them. Additionally, elderly individuals may easily forget tasks that they learned recently, even after being repeatedly taught.
Repetitive Behaviors
Another common symptom of Alzheimer’s disease is when an elderly individual repetitively asks the same question or repeats the same task over and over. Alzheimer’s affects an individual’s short term memory, which causes them to forget tasks that they have already completed.
Challenges with Problem Solving
Those developing Alzheimer’s may experience difficulties in following a simple plan or work with numbers. For instance, your loved one may make occasional errors when managing finances or household bills.
A Decrease in Motor Skills
Along with memory issues, elderly individuals who are experiencing the early signs of Alzheimer’s will have difficulty with basic motor skills. These motor skills could be having trouble writing, buttoning shirts, or tying their shoes. Decreased motor skills can also impact one’s ability to walk at a reasonable pace, often resulting in them taking shorter steps.
Confusion with Time or Place
An individual with progressive Alzheimer’s disease may begin to forget what time it is or where they are and how they got there. When elderly individuals become confused over time and place, they begin to wander, which can be extremely dangerous in certain circumstances.
Poor Hygiene and Grooming
In addition to this, seniors with Alzheimer’s may show a decrease in their concern for their hygiene. This can include a lack of grooming behaviors like brushing their teeth, taking a shower, and how they dress.
Changes in Sleep
Another symptom to be aware of would be an increase in daytime naps and frequent insomnia. Alzheimer’s can affect a senior’s motivation and drive, leading to decreased activity during the daytime. While it is normal for elderly individuals to have some sleeping changes, a severe change like taking multiple naps during the day can be a sign of Alzheimer’s disease.
Speech Problems
A prominent symptom of Alzheimer’s disease can be an individual’s decreased ability to speak and join in conversations. This symptom may lead to your loved one retreating with others socially because of this difficulty.
Frequently Misplacing Items
A senior with Alzheimer’s may begin to misplace items more often, as they are unable to remember where they put their belongings and retrace their steps. He or she may accuse others of stealing, especially as the disease progresses.
Changes in Mood and Personality
Individuals living with Alzheimer’s may experience extreme mood and personality changes on a day to day basis. These mood swings can include anxiety, fear, depression, and confusion. These personality changes can also cause a senior to withdraw themselves from social activities or conversations.
Contact a Doctor or Health Professional
Overall, if you or a family member notice that your elderly loved one is showing signs of Alzheimer’s disease, please make sure to contact their doctor. The natural aging process can explain many of these symptoms, but if the symptoms are severe, then it is best to take action. By understanding Alzheimer’s symptoms and with early detection, you and your loved one can explore treatments that may provide some relief for the following symptoms and help them maintain a level of independence longer.