There are stages of having Alzheimer’s disease, and if you have never been around it before or this is your first time taking care of an elderly loved one, you may be confused about what the signs are. Often, this disease starts slowly and may be confused with normal signs of aging. Unfortunately, as it progresses, these signs can become worse and frightening. The most important thing is to hire dementia care providers you trust so you can ensure your loved one is being looked after while aging in place.
You should know what some of the signs of Alzheimer’s are, even at the beginning stages. Here are things to look for.
Extreme Forgetfulness
It can be a normal part of aging to forget a word here or there or even forget the name of someone you just met. However, extreme forgetfulness or forgetting things while doing them can be a sign of something more serious. Sometimes, it is hard to witness these things if you are not a full-time caregiver but this is something that a professional dementia care team can help keep an eye on if you’ve hired them. Many seniors do not want to admit they are having memory problems because Alzheimer’s is serious and something that so many people don’t want to develop out of fear.
The most important thing you and dementia care can do is look after your loved one, help them when necessary, and encourage them to talk to a doctor and be honest about their memory issues. Developing Alzheimer’s is not the end of the world, but it can make life more challenging.
A Senior May Struggle When Communicating
It’s normal for different generations to communicate differently. Unfortunately, when a senior starts to develop Alzheimer’s, they may not be able to communicate at all, or it can be hard because they may forget words in the middle of a sentence or they may lose their train of thought. Once in a while, this may be normal for seniors, but if it happens regularly, it is something to take note of and discuss with their primary care doctor.
Their Personality May Change
As you age, you grow into your personality, or things change. However, extreme and sudden personality changes can be shocking for the whole family to understand, and it may not be something a senior can control well. Things to look for are if their hobbies suddenly change, they become angry when they’re normally happy, and other abnormal behaviors. This should all be brought up with a doctor immediately, and you should discuss it with your senior openly.
They Stop Being Able to Judge Distances
When a senior starts to develop Alzheimer’s, there are certain proteins in their brains that change the actual chemistry and the way they think and see. They may start to notice things are a different distance than they expect, and it can make things like reaching for things challenging and even make walking much harder than it needs to be.
All seniors are different, and changes may vary. If anyone notices drastic changes, it is important to note them right away. Symptoms may vary, but the right doctor can help manage certain symptoms.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Dementia Care Services in Murrysville PA please contact the caring staff at Extended Family Care Pittsburgh today. Call 412-241-7292
Extended Family Care Pittsburgh is a Trusted Home Care Agency in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania including Allegheny County, Beaver County, Butler County, Fayette County, Mercer County, Washington County, North Hills, South Hills, Fox Chapel, Monroeville, Murrysville, Oakland, Plum Boro, Squirrel Hill.
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