Alzheimer's and Dementia Top Ten Warning Signs
What is the difference between normal aging and dementia? Read the Top Ten Warning Signs of Alzheimer's disease below and then take the brief quiz below to test your knowledge.
1. Memory loss
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Examples include sometimes forgetting names or appointments, but remembering them later.
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Specifically, trouble remembering NEW information. Memory loss that disrupts daily life such as forgetting important dates or events; asks for the same information over and over again. |
2. Challenges in planning and solving problem
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Makes occasional errors during tasks like balancing a checkbook. |
Difficulty with complex mental assignments, especially tasks that involve numbers, such as balancing a checkbook. A good example is trouble following a family recipe or paying monthly bills. |
3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks
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Examples include occasionally needing help to use the settings on a microwave or to record a TV show. |
Trouble completing tasks that should be familiar, such as trouble driving to a favorite location, brushing teeth, or getting dressed. |
4. Confusion with time or place
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Confusion about the day of the week but figuring it out later. |
Loses track of dates, seasons and time. May forget where they are or how they got there. |
5. Vision problems
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Problems with vision changes related to cataracts
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May have difficulty reading, judging distance and determining color or contrast. A good example is they may not realize they are looking at themselves in the mirror. |
6. Problems with speaking or writing
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Sometimes has trouble finding the right word.
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Trouble following or joining a conversation. May repeat themselves or forget what they’re talking about in mid-conversation. Has trouble finding the right word or calls things by the wrong name. |
7. Misplaces things and trouble re-tracing steps
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Misplaces things from time to time, like glasses or keys.
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May put things in unusual places and has trouble re-tracing their steps. May accuse others of stealing. |
8. Decreased or poor judgment
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Makes a bad decision once in awhile. |
May use poor judgment when dealing with money and pay less attention in grooming and keeping themselves clean. |
9. Withdrawal from work or social activities
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Sometimes feels weary or work, family and social obligations. |
May remove themselves from social activities, hobbies, work place, etc. |
10. Changes in mood and personality
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Develops specific ways of doing things and becomes irritable when a routine is disrupted. |
Becomes confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful or anxious. May be easily upset at home, at work, with friends or where they are out of their comfort zone. |
Now that you have reviewed the Top Ten warning signs, take our brief quiz to test your knowledge.
Senior Helpers Senior Gems
Senior Helpers is thrilled to share an exciting new program for our caregivers and clients called the Senior Gems®. This groundbreaking program helps our caregivers provide the best possible care through all stages of Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Developed by nationally renowned dementia expert Teepa Snow, the focus of the Senior Gems® is on what people with dementia can do, instead of what they cannot do. Teepa’s gems classification system (based on the Allen Cognitive Disability Theory) allows us to understand which stage of dementia the person is experiencing so we can create the best service plan for that individual.
Complimentary Senior Gems® DVD
Providing support for a loved-one with Alzheimer's or dementia can be very challenging. We have created an informative DVD than can assist you right now in your efforts to help your family member with this disease. Please click here to learn more about the Senior Gems® DVD and receive your fee copy.
Ready to take the Alzheimer's Quiz?
After reviewing the Top Ten Warning Signs, we invite you to take the Alzheimers and Dementia Quiz to test your knowledge.