The damage Alzheimer’s does to the brain generally appears in the form of early warning signs. These symptoms could include forgetfulness, anger, paranoia, and more. Below are some of the most common signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s family caregivers should never ignore.
1. Memory Loss & Confusion
Memory loss is one of the main symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s, and it’s typically the first sign caregivers notice. Confusion is often temporary in the early stages of the disease, which is why many people ignore this symptom. However, you should take your senior loved one to the doctor immediately if he or she experiences severe memory loss.
2. Hallucinations
Seniors with Alzheimer’s often cannot discern between reality and fiction, so they see things that aren’t there. For example, your loved one may say a person is in the room when it’s actually a coat rack. These types of misperceptions are warning signs associated with Alzheimer’s.
If your senior loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, help is just a phone call away. For reliable Alzheimer’s care, Amarillo families can turn to Heroes 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 home care needs.
3. Aggressive Behavior
Behavioral challenges such as agitation, anger, and aggression are common in seniors living with Alzheimer’s. Diminished brain function often causes aggressive behavior, but with a proper care plan and the right strategies, combative behavior is manageable.
4. Loss of Appetite
Communicating what they’d like to eat is a problem for many seniors with Alzheimer’s, and it can cause them to skip meals. If you notice your loved one missing mealtimes and snacks, speak with him or her about the issue immediately. The cognitive challenges could be causing your loved one to forget to eat, or he or she might be overwhelmed and confused by all the food choices.
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 Amarillo 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.
5. Speech Impairment
Alzheimer’s causes changes in the brain that make it difficult for older adults to understand what people are saying, and they may not be able to find the right words when responding. If you notice your loved one being unable to figure out what to say when carrying on conversations with you and others, this may be a sign of Alzheimer’s. As the disease progresses, it negatively affects the way the brain processes information and can lead to misused words, slurred speech, repetitiveness, or the inability to speak.
6. Difficulty Multitasking
Challenges associated with getting dressed, cooking, and carrying out other multistep tasks could be a warning sign of Alzheimer’s. The disease impacts focus and shortens the attention span. Even after your loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, there are steps you can take to enhance his or her focus and other cognitive abilities.
7. Getting Lost
Alzheimer’s can negatively affect your loved one’s sense of direction or ability to remember his or her address. Getting lost and wandering are common signs of Alzheimer’s. Monitor your loved one and determine if he or she can continue to drive or go on walks alone. If you think your loved one is too forgetful, make sure he or she is never left unsupervised.
Trained professional caregivers can be a great resource when it comes to managing age-related conditions 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. Heroes Home Care is a leading in-home care provider. Families rely on our expertly trained caregivers to help their senior loved ones maintain a high quality of life. If you need compassionate, professional Alzheimer’s care for your loved one, call one of our friendly Care Managers today at (806) 803-9991.