Everyone can be forgetful every now and again. But, memory loss that disrupts daily life may be a symptom of Alzheimer's. Here at Senior Helpers Inland Empire, we are committed to helping older adults in Chino, Corona, Chino Hills, and San Bernardino County enhance their quality of life. If you're concerned about whether your spouse or loved one is developing Alzheimer's, read on to learn four early signs of this disease.
4 Early Signs of Alzheimer's
Alzheimer's is a form of dementia that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. As the symptoms of it progress, daily tasks become more difficult for the individual living with the disease.
It's important to note that the greatest known risk factor for Alzheimer's disease is age. The majority of people living with Alzheimer's are 65 years or older. Those who develop the disease under 65 years have early-onset Alzheimer's.
The good news is that with early intervention, it is possible to manage the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, allowing your spouse or loved one to lead a quality life. Here are some early signs to pay attention to:
Significant Memory Loss
Memory loss that disrupts daily life is one common sign that someone may be developing Alzheimer's. In fact, one of the most common signs of the disease is when an individual starts forgetting recently learned information.
However, they may also forget important dates or events and will ask the same questions over and over again. You may also notice that they need to rely on memory aids to help them remember important things. For instance, those who develop Alzheimer's will commonly use aids like reminder notes or other family members to help them remember.
Difficulty Completing Familiar Tasks
Another common sign of Alzheimer's is if your spouse or loved one has difficulty completing tasks that were once familiar to them. For instance, they may have trouble driving to a location they used to frequent. Or, they may struggle with other tasks like making their grocery list or remembering game rules.
Confusion About Time and Place
Does your spouse or loved one often seem confused about time or place? People with Alzheimer's tend to lose track of dates, times, and seasons. In fact, if something isn't happening to them immediately, it can become difficult for them to understand. It's possible that they may even forget where they are and how they got to that particular location.
Difficulty With Words
Individuals developing Alzheimer's often have difficulties with words regarding speaking or writing. With that said, if your loved one is having trouble following or joining a conversation, this may be a sign that they're developing the disease. For instance, they might stop mid-conversation and feel confused about how to continue with their conversation.
Similarly, you might find that they constantly repeat themselves in a conversation. They may have other struggles as well, such as with vocabulary. For example, they may have trouble naming a familiar object.
Live Better With Senior Helpers
Senior Helpers Inland Empire provides home care to older adults. We provide various services, such as personal hygiene assistance, light housekeeping, and appointment transportation. Contact us today to learn more about our services.