Ten Warning Signs for Alzheimer's - Senior In Home Care Can Help

Everyone is forgetful now and again, and as we age the occurrences may become even more frequent. Yet most people who have mild forgetfulness do not have Alzheimer’s disease. But when memory loss starts to interfere with daily activities, it may be time to consult with a physician.

Alzheimer’s disease is NOT a product of the natural aging process. Scientists do not know what causes the disease; however, age is a factor. The disease usually begins after age 60 and the risk goes up with the increase in age. Approximately five million Americans currently suffer from Alzheimer’s disease.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org), there are ten warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease:

1. Memory loss that disrupts daily life: forgetting recently learned information or important dates.
2. Challenges in planning or solving problems: trouble following familiar recipe or with monthly bills.
3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks: trouble driving to familiar location or managing a budget.
4. Confusion with time or place: losing track of dates, seasons and the passage of time.
5. Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships: difficulty judging distances and determining color or contrast.
6. New problems with words or writing: repeating self, trouble following a conversation.
7. Misplacing things and inability to retrace steps: placing things in unusual places and may accuse others of stealing.
8. Decreased or poor judgment: problems with money, paying less attention to grooming.
9. Withdrawal from work or social activities: trouble completing a favorite hobby and shying away from social engagement.
10. Changes in mood and personality: can become confused, suspicious, fearful, anxious and easily upset.

If you suspect that you or a loved one is suffering from memory decline, download and print this free mini mental state examination. It only takes about 10 minutes to administer.

American Companion Care has caregivers that are very comfortable with eldercare, Alzheimer's care, and Dementia Care. You don't have to do this alone.

For more RESOURCES on Alzheimer's Disease or caring for someone with Alzheimer's Disease, visit our RESOURCE LIBRARY.