What is the Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s Care in Parker
The Alzheimer’s Association has developed a list of warning signs that include common symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease (some also apply to other dementias). Individuals who exhibit several of these syptoms should see a physician for a complete examination.
Memory loss. One of the most common early warning signs of dementia is forgetting recently learned information. While it’s normal to forget appointments, names or telephone numbers, those with dementia will forget such things more often and not remember them later.
Difficulty performing familiar tasks. People with dementia often find it hard to complete everyday tasks that are so familiar we usually do not think about how to do them. A person with Alzheimer’s may not know the steps for preparing a meal, using a household appliance or participating in a lifelong hobby.
Problems with language. Everyone has trouble finding the right word sometimes, but a person with Alzheimer’s often forgets simple words or substitutes unusual words, making his or her speech or writing hard to understand.
Disorientation to time and place. It’s normal to forget the day of the week or where you’re going. But people with Alzheimer’s disease can become lost on their own street. They may forget where and how they got there, and may not know how to get back home.
Poor or decreased judgment. No one has perfect judgment all the time. Those with Alzheimer’s may dress without regard to the weather, wearing several shirts on a warm day or very little clothing in cold weather. Those with dementia often show poor judgment about money, giving away large sums to telemarketers or paying for home repairs or products they don’t need.
Problems with abstract thinking. Balancing a checkbook is a task that can be challenging for some. But a person with Alzheimer’s may forget what the numbers represent and what needs to be done with them.
Misplacing things. Anyone can temporarily misplace a wallet or key. A person needing with Alzheimer’s Care in Parker with the disease may put things in unusual places, like an iron in the freezer or a wristwatch in the sugar bowl.
Changes in mood or behavior. Everyone can become sad or moody from time to time. Someone with Alzheimer’s disease can show rapid mood swings-from calm to tears to anger-for no apparent reason.
Changes in personality. Personalities ordinarily change somewhat with age. But a person with Alzheimer’s can change dramatically, becoming extremely confused, suspicious, fearful or dependent on a family member.
Loss of initiative. Its normal to tire of housework, business activities or social obligations at times. The person with Alzheimer’s disease may become very passive, sitting in front of the television for hours, sleeping more than usual or not wanting to do usual activities.
Sheryl Thompson, RN Administrator of Alzheimers Care Parker and Castle Rock with Assured Assisted Living and is a Certified Memory Impairment Specialist Instructor. Her passion and dedication in providing the “Gold Standard” for Memory Care is due to the desire for wanting the “best” nursing home alternative and an intimate, personalized home environment for Sheryl’s father who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 1994.
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