During the holiday season, it is essential to notice changes in our loved ones that may indicate early signs of Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. These symptoms might include memory loss disrupting daily life, difficulty planning or solving...
The holidays are special time of year. As many of us gather with loved ones to celebrate the season, we may also notice changes in our friends and family. Oftentimes, it can be challenging to know if and when to seek additional advice and care. When memory loss starts to disrupt daily life, it may be time to schedule an appointment with your doctor. These 10 signs can help you identify early signs of Alzheimer’s and other dementia and start getting the support you need.
1. 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. Others include forgetting important dates or events, asking the same questions over and over, and increasingly needing to rely on memory aids (e.g., reminder notes or electronic devices) or 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.
2. 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 they did before.
What’s a typical age-related change?
Making occasional errors when managing finances or household bills.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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 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
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.
7. 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. He or she 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.
8. 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.
9. 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, he or she 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 or 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 when 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.
Early detection matters
If you begin to notice some of these changes in yourself or a loved one during the holidays, it may be time to meet with your doctor. It’s natural to feel uncertain or nervous about discussing these changes with others. But with early detection, you can explore treatment options that may provide some relief of symptoms and help maintain independence longer.
Get Support
The Alzheimer’s Association has several resources to support you in this process:
24/7 Helpline 800.272.3900 Learn more about diagnosing Alzheimer’s Local Support Groups Education Programs Learn more about treatments Doctors Appointment Checklist (PDF) 10 Steps to Approach Memory Concerns (PDF)The post Know the 10 Signs of Alzheimer’s this Holiday Season appeared first on ALZWA BLOG .