Alzheimer’s is a progressive disorder that destroys brain cells and neural pathways. Doctors haven’t been able to come up with a cure for this disease, but they can delay some of the worst symptoms with a variety of medications and therapies. To slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, it’s important for caregivers to keep an eye out for some of the early warning signs of this pervasive disorder.
Uncommon Repetitiveness
One of the reasons seniors with Alzheimer’s become repetitive is because they can’t remember conversations they’ve had in the past. Seniors often repeat everyday tasks like brushing their teeth, shaving, brushing their hair, or cleaning up a certain area of the home. If you notice these types of behaviors, gently ask your loved one for an explanation. If your loved one becomes defensive when you ask these questions, schedule an appointment with a mental health specialist.
Consider hiring a professional caregiver if your loved one exhibits challenging behaviors that make it difficult to care for him or her. Elder care professionals can be a wonderful boon to seniors. Whether they require around-the-clock supervision or just need assistance with exercise and household tasks a few days a week, seniors can enjoy a higher quality of life with the help of trusted in-home caregivers.
Bad Sense of Direction
Spatial orientation is often one of the first cognitive skills to be impacted by Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related disorders. If your loved one has always had a difficult time getting from one place to the next, you most likely don’t need to be concerned if he or she has a bad sense of direction. However, you may need to seek out professional medical assistance if your loved one suddenly can’t remember landmarks, shops, and streets he or she should be familiar with.
General Apathy
Many people experience apathy in their senior years, but they shouldn’t completely lose interest in their favorite hobbies and activities. Seniors with Alzheimer’s often experience restlessness because certain tasks become particularly difficult or frustrating. You should first rule out other issues, such as arthritis or impaired eyesight, that could be making your loved one’s favorite hobbies challenging to manage.
Changes in Mood
An individual’s personality tends to change with age, but these changes should never be sudden. A senior who has no history of mental health disorders shouldn’t start acting angry or confused when things don’t go his or her way. Many of the mood swings in seniors occur when they’re outside the home or in an uncomfortable environment. Your loved one might also become confused or suspicious if his or her daily routine is disrupted.
Caring for a senior can be challenging, especially if he or she experiences frequent mood swings or other emotional issues. 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. Align Home Care is a leading Portland senior home care provider. Families rely on our expertly trained caregivers to help their senior loved ones maintain a high quality of life.
Memory Loss
Even though memory loss is closely associated with Alzheimer’s disease, many people don’t realize just how early on it can become an issue. Some seniors with Alzheimer’s begin forgetting important dates or the names of their close friends in their 40s and 50s. When your loved one tells a story, take note if he or she seems to have difficulty recalling basic information such as the location or who was involved.
Difficulty Completing Basic Tasks
As long as your loved one remains relatively healthy, he or she should be able to perform everyday tasks for most of his or her life. In the earliest stages of Alzheimer’s, your loved one might have difficulty putting away dishes or reading a newspaper. Be wary if your loved one claims daily tasks are becoming difficult to manage.
If your elderly loved one is living with Alzheimer’s and needs help managing the symptoms, turn to Align Home Care, a leading provider of Alzheimer’s care. Portland seniors can rely on our caregivers to provide activities that promote cognitive health and delay the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Our caregivers also encourage seniors to engage with others in an enjoyable way and help them build new routines to look forward to. To learn about our high-quality in-home care services, give us a call at (207) 835-3605 today.