Alzheimer’s is known as one of the most common types of dementia, and it causes issues for seniors in regard to their memory, thinking abilities, and behavior. The symptoms associated with this disease often occur slowly and worsen over time. However, living a healthy lifestyle can stave off many symptoms and slow the progression of the condition. Here are the most common signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.
Memory Loss
The earliest sign of Alzheimer’s is generally the inability to remember newly learned information. The short-term memory challenges often begin with things like misplacing car keys, forgetting a television show that was just watched, or failing to recall what was eaten for lunch. Don’t confuse these symptoms with aging. Although growing older is a part of life, Alzheimer’s isn’t a normal part of the aging process. The short-term memory problems older adults typically experience in the early stages of the disease are mild, but without proper treatment and healthy habits, it can progress at a fast pace.
If your senior loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, help is just a phone call away. For reliable Alzheimer’s care, Albuquerque families can turn to Home Care Assistance. We are a leading provider of professional memory care designed to help seniors maintain a higher quality of life. In addition to Alzheimer’s care, we also provide comprehensive dementia, Parkinson’s, and stroke care. From revolutionary care programs to compassionate and dedicated caregivers, we can meet all of your Alzheimer’s home care needs.
Mood Swings
Alzheimer’s disease causes brain cells to die, preventing the brain from functioning normally, which changes the way older adults act or feel and leads to mood swings. Surrounding sounds are usually the reasons seniors with Alzheimer’s begin to experience mood swings. A lot of noise can lead to confusion, agitation, and anger among older adults with Alzheimer’s disease, causing them to act out negatively. If you notice your aging loved one getting sad or angry more quickly or beginning to hit you or other people, this could be a sign he or she has developed Alzheimer’s disease.
Trained professional caregivers can be a great resource when it comes to managing agitation, confusion, and frustration in seniors. There are many reasons seniors might need assistance at home. Some may require regular mental stimulation due to an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, while others might only need part-time assistance with exercise and basic household tasks. Home Care Assistance is a leading homecare provider. Families rely on our expertly trained caregivers to help their senior loved ones maintain a high quality of life.
Impaired Judgment
Seniors who are beyond the early stages of Alzheimer’s may have difficulty making sense of the world, especially things around them. They may seem healthy, but their mental abilities and physical health are decreasing. One sign you should look out for is your loved one’s ability to make the correct choices. If the disease is affecting the brain, it will likely lead to impaired thinking and inadequate responses, which means your loved one’s risk of making poor judgments that lead to bad decisions and negative consequences can increase significantly if he or she has developed Alzheimer’s.
Vision Impairment
Alzheimer’s can cause vision and perception challenges for older adults, which makes them misinterpret things and people in their daily lives. The brain interprets what seniors see, but if the disease is disrupting brain function, your loved one’s visual perception may be inaccurate. He or she may also be paranoid and see visions of people or objects that aren’t there. These delusions should be a warning sign, and you’ll need to take your parent to the doctor immediately. Keep in mind that many Alzheimer’s symptoms are similar to those of other conditions. Only a physician can diagnose the disease.
Caring for a senior loved one can be challenging for families who don’t have expertise or professional training in home care, but this challenge doesn’t have to be faced alone. Family caregivers can turn to Albuquerque Home Care Assistance for the help they need. We provide high-quality live-in and respite care as well as comprehensive Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care. If your loved one needs professional care, Home Care Assistance is here to help. Reach out to one of our compassionate Care Managers today at 505-798-0800.
