The Early Signs of Alzheimer’s

The Alzheimer’s Organization’s website has a list of warning signs that may indicate the early stages of Alzheimer’s.  However they caution that everyone’s experience is different, and if you suspect a problem to consult with your doctor.  

One of the first signs they list is experiencing memory loss to the extent that it disrupts a person’s life.  The most common symptom of Alzheimer’s is memory loss and it first starts by affecting recently learned information.  Problems include: “forgetting important dates or events; asking for the same information over and over; 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.”

The Alzheimer’s Organization next cites difficulty in planning or organizing common activities.  Examples include struggling to follow a recipe or keeping track of monthly bills.  Another problem may be struggling to complete familiar tasks at home or at work.  Confusion is also associated with Alzheimer’s, and in the early stages someone may start forgetting things such as what time of year it is or what season. 

While seniors often have vision problems, someone with Alzheimer’s can have problems understanding visual images and spatial relationships such as with reading or judging distance.  This is critical to recognize if the person is still driving.  Furthermore, someone in the early stages may start to have trouble following conversations or with talking.  They may start to speak but suddenly stop mid-stream while they attempt to find the right word.

Helping a loved one with Alzheimer’s is a difficult task and can cause a great deal of stress.  Agencies such as Colorado’s SYNERGY HomeCare provide families the kind of services they need when caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s.   

*Our post is for information purposes only and not a substitute for seeking medical advice.

 

At SYNERGY HomeCare, we are one of the most trusted names in home care in Colorado serving the Front Range since 2006. We have grown to 5 offices and will be adding 2 more locations in 2015 and our successful growth can be summarized by one word, "Service".   Our mission is to ensure that every client is treated with the upmost respect and dignity, and we strive to incorporate those beliefs into all of our home health care services. We are available 24/7 to listen to your unique story and provide you answers to all your questions.

Source: alz.org/alzheimers_disease_10_signs_of_alzheimers.asp?type=alzFooter#signs