There are many family caregivers who worry their elderly loved ones are going to get Alzheimer’s disease. Unfortunately, in some cases this does happen. However, in the earlier stages of the disease, there are some things that doctors can do to help your elderly loved one feel more comfortable. It is important, though, to recognize the signs of early Alzheimer’s. That way, you or a companion care at home provider can take your elderly loved one to the doctor to get any treatments they may need.
Lack of Judgment
One sign of early Alzheimer’s is lack of judgment. If you or a companion care at home provider notice your elderly loved one isn’t making good judgments, they could have this disease. However, it is also important to remember that this happens sometimes, just as people get older. Sometimes, it is due to not remembering they already did something. On the other hand, if you or a home care provider notice your elderly loved one spending a lot more money than usual or making judgment calls without thinking, it is something worth checking into.
Basic Problem-Solving Issues
Another early sign of Alzheimer’s disease is that your elderly loved one will likely have difficulty solving basic problems. For example, your elderly loved one could have been balancing their checkbook since they opened their account many years ago. However, now they keep having bank overdrafts because they forget to put drafts in the register. If this is happening, you may want to have your elderly loved one see a doctor for an Alzheimer’s disease assessment.
Social Isolation or Withdrawing During Conversations
Your elderly loved one may also start isolating socially. For example, you or a senior care provider may notice that your elderly loved one doesn’t stop to say hi to their neighbors anymore. They may not call you as often as they used to either. Your elderly loved one may even stop talking mid-sentence, too.
Issues with Numbers
Has your elderly loved one recently had issues figuring out math problems? Maybe, it is something as basic as how long it will take them to make dinner, so they end up burning the food to the pan. If this is happening more often, it may be time to have someone (possibly even home care providers) stay with your elderly loved one more often.
Issues with Wording
Another sign of early Alzheimer’s disease is having issues with wording. For example, you or a companion care at home provider may be talking to your loved one and realize they say a word that doesn’t make sense. For example, instead of saying dinner, they might say car. This is just one example of how they may use inappropriate or wrong wording. If this happens more than once, you should have them see a doctor about it.
Conclusion
These are some of the signs of early Alzheimer’s disease. Now that you know what to look for, you and the elderly care providers can recognize them in your elderly loved one and get them treatment when it is necessary.
If you or an aging loved-one is considering Companion Care at Home in Madison, WI please contact the caring staff at Agape Senior Services Madison today. (608) 841-1004
Sources
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/what-are-signs-alzheimers-disease
