As seniors transition into a new phase of life, various behavioural changes are commonplace. Distinguishing between natural aging processes and potential health concerns can be challenging. With Alzheimer’s awareness on the rise and ample resources available in Kitchener-Waterloo-Cambridge, caregivers and loved ones have the opportunity to learn the early signs of Alzheimer’s.
This knowledge empowers them to address any concerns promptly, emphasizing the crucial role of early detection in proactive caregiving.
While January is designated as Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, it’s important to remember that the experiences of people living with dementia continue beyond this month.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia, accounting for 60 to 80% of all cases of dementia. However, it’s important to remember that each person is affected differently. This understanding can help caregivers be more patient and empathetic, as they navigate the unique challenges presented by the disease.
Resource: The difference between Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias
Early Signs of Alzheimer’s:
Being vigilant about changes in behaviour is crucial for early detection and intervention. The following early signs of Alzheimer’s warrant attention. Recognizing them early can lead to better management and support for your loved one.
Confusion Regarding Place or Time
Regularly losing track of dates and being disoriented about the passage of time. Difficulty in recognizing or recalling specific locations. This may manifest as forgetting important events, repeatedly asking what day it is, or becoming lost in familiar places.
Constant Misplacement of Items & Inability to Retrace Steps
Frequently putting things in unusual places, experiencing frequent loss of items, and struggling to retrace steps to find them. Unlike normal forgetfulness, this may involve placing car keys in the fridge or accusing others of stealing misplaced belongings.
Conversational Challenges
Difficulties in conversations, such as forgetting mid-sentence, repetitive phrases, or struggling to recall the right words. You may notice pauses in speech, substituting unusual words, or repeating the same story multiple times.
Decreased Engagement in Activities
Showing reduced interest or participation in hobbies, groups, projects, and events. A once-social person may start avoiding gatherings, or a lifelong hobby may suddenly feel overwhelming or uninteresting.
Difficulty Managing Routine Tasks
Increased difficulty in handling everyday tasks at home, work, or during activities. Tasks like following a recipe, managing finances, or driving to a familiar location may become confusing or frustrating.
Memory Loss Impacting Daily Life
Forgetting important information, repeated requests for the same information, or reliance on others or memory aids for previously manageable tasks. This goes beyond occasional forgetfulness – it disrupts independence and daily functioning.
Mood and Personality Changes
Heightened occurrence of negative emotions like stress, anxiety, confusion, sadness, anger, and frustration. A typically calm person may become easily upset, or a once-cheerful individual may seem withdrawn or suspicious.
Impaired Judgment
Exhibiting poor judgment, challenges in decision-making, and struggles with prioritization. This could include falling for scams, neglecting personal hygiene, or wearing inappropriate clothing for the weather.
Social Withdrawal
Spending less time in social settings, withdrawing from social interactions, and isolating oneself. They may avoid friends and family out of embarrassment over their symptoms or loss of interest in socializing.
Trouble with Planning and Problem-Solving
Difficulties in critical thinking, making plans, and navigating challenges that require problem-solving. Changes in concentration levels. Balancing a checkbook, following instructions, or organizing tasks may become increasingly difficult.
Visual-Spatial Challenges
Increased difficulty in reading, judging distances and spaces, and distinguishing colours. This can lead to trouble driving, frequent tripping, or difficulty recognizing faces or objects.
Taking Action:
If you observe these behavioural patterns in a senior you care for, it’s crucial to schedule an appointment with a doctor in Kitchener-Waterloo-Cambridge. This responsible action shows your care and concern for the senior’s well-being. Early action allows for timely diagnosis or the ruling out of Alzheimer’s, enabling further tests and consultations.
Connect with Promyse Home Care:
For a Free Nurse Consultation on how our Home Care Services in Kitchener-Waterloo-Cambridge can assist your loved one in managing the signs of Alzheimer’s. Our Caregivers trained in Dementia Care focus on creating a safe, nurturing environment while helping with daily activities such as personal grooming, medication management, and cognitive exercises designed to slow the disease’s progression.
