Alzheimer’s Symptoms to Look Out for as You Age

 

Alzheimer’s is a devastating form of dementia that affects over five million Americans. When a person is living with Alzheimer’s, they can lose their memory and even their personality, which is tragic for both themselves and their loved ones. With an illness like this, it’s crucial to spot the signs as early as possible to receive an early diagnosis, which can improve the results from accessing healthcare. Here are some symptoms you should look out for in yourself or an elderly family member.
 

Forgetfulness
 

Forgetfulness is a common occurrence in many people no matter what their age, so don’t worry if you notice yourself forgetting little things like where you last put the TV remote. The time for concern is when forgetfulness interrupts life in a significant way and becomes a common occurrence. If you find that you or a loved one forgets many conversations or doesn’t show up for planned events because they don’t remember arranging them, it is a good idea to get checked out.
 

Changes in personality
 

One of the scariest parts of Alzheimer’s is the changes it makes to a person’s personality. Notable differences would include increased mood swings, loss of interest in what they usually love, and outbursts of anger. If someone is usually happy and down-to-earth, but they are suddenly much moodier and more stressed, then it is a sign that something could be wrong.
 

Slowing down
 

One of the signs of Alzheimer’s is performing daily tasks slower than usual. For example, someone who usually spends about 15 minutes getting dressed in the morning could end up spending half-an-hour to an hour. Of course, as people get older, their movements naturally get slower, but if there is a significant change, then it’s best to visit a doctor.
 

Getting lost
 

Getting lost is a sign of Alzheimer’s that can be terrifying for friends and family. If you or a loved one has shown up in an area with no recollection of how they got there or got lost where they previously knew the area well, then it is a sure sign that medical attention is needed. Symptoms like these can be dangerous, especially as you don’t know where they will end up, so senior housing would be an option to keep them safe and ensure they have the medical attention they need.
 

Language difficulties
 

Take notice if yourself or a loved one start getting words mixed up or forget common words entirely. For example, if they start struggling to remember words like ‘curtain’ or ‘television’, then you must consider seeking medical attention, as it could be a sign of Alzheimer’s.
 

Lessened interest
 

Losing interest in hobbies you used to enjoy can be a sign of numerous illnesses, including depression, but it can also be a symptom of Alzheimer’s. If you, or someone you know, no longer cares for activities they used to love, then it’s best to talk to someone about it and get to the root cause. 

Alzheimer’s is a debilitating and unforgiving disease, but if you spot the symptoms sooner and receive an early diagnosis, the chances at a better quality of life are much higher.

This is a guest blog entry.