Many seniors are living with Alzheimer’s disease and they don’t know it because some symptoms are more difficult to spot than others. Seniors with Alzheimer’s disease may experience varying symptoms at different stages, but there are some common signs family caregivers should watch out for. Knowing these symptoms can help your loved one get immediate treatment to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.
1. Difficulty with Normal Tasks
Doing laundry, cleaning up the home, and cooking daily meals are some of the things most seniors can do with little or no assistance. If you notice your loved one having difficulty completing daily tasks, it might be a sign of Alzheimer’s disease, especially if he or she has always accomplished these things with ease. You should also watch out for unusual clutter, peculiar clothing choices, or any other disruption to your loved one’s normal routine.
Caring for a senior loved one with Alzheimer’s disease can be overwhelming at times. Mississauga respite care professionals can assist seniors with a wide array of daily tasks, offering family caregivers the chance to focus on other personal responsibilities or take a break to prevent burnout. Whether it’s for a few hours a day or a few days a week, respite care is the perfect solution for family caregivers who are feeling overwhelmed.
2. Confusion with Time, People, and Places
Some family caregivers associate confusion with lack of sleep or reactions to new medications, but it can also be a warning sign of Alzheimer’s disease. It is okay for seniors to mistake a person or place, as long as they correct it quickly. However, seniors who lose track of dates or the passage of time may be experiencing severe cognitive decline. If your loved one has difficulty understanding something immediately, it might be a warning sign of Alzheimer’s disease.
3. Difficulty Speaking
Joining a conversation can be challenging for seniors with Alzheimer’s disease, and they may also have a difficult time following instructions. If you see your loved one stop in the middle of a conversation to repeat him or herself, he or she may have Alzheimer’s disease. Other warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease include calling objects and people by the wrong names and difficulty finding the right word and tense.
4. Inability to Trace Steps
Seniors who put items and personal belongings in unusual places may be in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. Placing the remote control on another table in the room is not an issue, but you should be concerned if your loved one puts the remote in the refrigerator. During the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, seniors may be unable to trace their steps, and they may start accusing others of stealing their belongings. If your loved one is facing similar issues at home, let his or her doctor know immediately.
Alzheimer’s disease is just one of the many health conditions older adults are susceptible to. Seniors can face a variety of challenges as they age, many of which can be mitigated with the help of professional in-home caregivers who provide high-quality home care. Mississauga families trust in Home Care Assistance to help their elderly loved ones age in place safely and comfortably.
5. Issues Understanding Visual Images
Most people believe Alzheimer’s disease only affects the memory, but it may also have a negative impact on a senior’s vision. If you notice your loved one having difficulty reading or seeing things from a distance, it may be a symptom of Alzheimer’s disease. You should also report any issues with driving or determining color or contrast to your loved one’s doctor.
Recovering from a stroke, managing the symptoms of Alzheimer’s, and a variety of other health-related situations can make it difficult for a senior to continue living at home without someone there to help. Mississauga, Ontario, live-in care professionals are trained to help seniors who need 24/7 assistance. With the help of a live-in caregiver, your elderly loved one can maintain a higher quality of life while aging in place. If your loved one is living with a serious health condition and needs help with daily tasks, call Home Care Assistance at 905-337-1200 today.