Is it simply a flighty memory, or is it something more? Many people find themselves worrying about their older loved one’s health as they witness their memories decline. Yet, your worries are valid. The earlier you can catch Alzheimer’s, the better. Early intervention can improve your loved one’s quality of life by getting them the care they need.
If you’re wondering whether your loved one may be developing Alzheimer’s, then here are five key signs to look for.
Daily Disruptions
As opposed to simple forgetfulness, Alzheimer’s disrupts our daily lives on a regular basis. Routine tasks like getting dressed or preparing food suddenly start to become a problem for someone with this neurodegenerative disease. If seemingly simple tasks that were not difficult for them before suddenly start to become a problem, then it’s certainly a warning sign.
Repeating Questions
Does your loved one ask a question and a few moments later ask the same one? Initially, it may seem harmless, however, if they’re consistently repeating questions that you’ve already answered then this is a big red flag. If they can’t seem to retain information that was just discussed, it’s time to talk with the healthcare professional and get their opinion.
Difficulty Solving and Planning
One common symptom of Alzheimer’s patients is that they have an inability to plan ahead. Whether it’s solving a simple mash equation or planning their day, you’ll start to notice them struggling to plan or think ahead. Even the simplest task can start to completely overwhelm them and leave them feeling frustrated, and maybe even angry. These kinds of challenges indicate cognitive decline without a doubt.
Disorientation
People who have Alzheimer’s often become disoriented and don’t know what time it is or where they are. They may get lost somewhere simple like the grocery store, and forget how they even got there. They may think they’re ten years in the future, or 20 years in the past. If you notice your loved one is confused about sequences of events, it’s nothing to ignore.
Language Struggles
Have you noticed that your loved one has a hard time getting the right words out or explaining themselves? Perhaps they even stopped mid-conversation because they’ve completely forgotten what it is they’re talking about. They may even have trouble understanding what you’re saying which can make social interactions very challenging for them.
Mood Swings
Alzheimer’s can lead to significant mood shifts. They might be extremely irritable one minute and elated the next. If you notice your loved one is displaying unpredictable behavior and moods combined with one or several of the previous symptoms listed, then it’s probably time to seek professional help to determine their diagnosis and start appropriate care planning.