Alzheimer’s disease has a better prognosis for seniors when it’s caught early. Memory loss is one of the hallmark signs of this disease, yet there are also other symptoms you might notice your senior loved one experience in the early stages. Watch out for these signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and arrange for a medical evaluation if you notice them in your loved one.
Frequent Episodes of Memory Loss
The majority of older adults will have some degree of memory loss due to normal aging. However, seniors with Alzheimer’s disease may begin to experience challenges with managing their daily routines because of memory impairment. For example, your loved one may forget to bathe regularly or take medication on time.
If your senior loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, help is just a phone call away. For reliable Alzheimer’s Care, Milwaukee families can turn to Assisting Hands Home Care. 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 care needs.
Difficulty Handling Money
Seniors with Alzheimer’s disease may begin to face difficulty with things such as paying their bills, which may be caused by memory loss or forgetting how to perform certain procedures, such as adding and subtracting figures. Your loved one might not tell you about these challenges. However, it should be a concern to talk about if you discover stacks of unpaid bills or notice the power is turned off at your loved one’s home.
Displaying Poor Judgment
Alzheimer’s disease also affects the parts of the brain that control the ability to make clear and coherent decisions. Your loved one may suddenly do things he or she would never have done before, such as gambling while on a fixed budget. You should always be concerned if your loved one does something completely out of character, such as making a large purchase on a whim or dating someone he or she wouldn’t normally consider to be a match.
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. Assisting Hands Home Care is a leading senior care provider. Families rely on our expertly trained caregivers to help their senior loved ones maintain a high quality of life.
Losing Things Around the House
It’s normal to occasionally misplace car keys or have difficulty finding the remote control. However, seniors with Alzheimer’s disease may find this happens more often than it used to. They may also begin to blame other people for objects that are lost due to their memory challenges. For instance, your loved one may claim a housekeeper stole a shirt when it’s really just in a different laundry hamper.
Mood & Personality Changes
You should also be concerned if your normally easygoing loved one suddenly starts to display anger and aggression. This symptom can be caused by lesions in the brain that affect behavior. Your loved one may also be frustrated and even scared of all the changes that seem to be occurring. The feeling of losing memory is upsetting. Try to offer your loved one reassurance that you’ll be there to provide support through the diagnosis, and talking about long-term care may help him or her feel better about the future.
Trained professional caregivers can be a great resource when it comes to addressing agitation, confusion, and frustration in seniors. If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of Home Care Milwaukee families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s. If you need professional care for your loved one, reach out to one of our Care Managers today.
