Aravilla Sarasota Memory Care

For more information on the author, Aravilla, CLICK HERE!Does Your Loved One or Family Member Have Alzheimer's?According to the Alzheimer's Association, there are 10 warning signs of Alzheimer's Disease. If you or someone you care about is experiencing these signs, please see a doctor. Early diagnosis affords the opportunity to seek treatment and plan for the future. Keep in mind, when you're under a lot of strain, other factors can also play with your mind, such as moving too fast, not getting enough sleep, depression or typical age-related changes. The majority of people over age 50 even over 60, 70 or 80 don't have Alzheimer's or dementia.Please review the 10 signs below and list any additional concerns you may have and consult with your doctor. This list is for information only and not a substitute for a consultation with a qualified professional.1. Memory Loss That Disrupts Daily LifeOne of the most common signs of Alzheimer's is memory loss, especially forgetting recently learned information. Others include forgetting important dates or events; asking for the same information over and over; increasingly needing to rely on memory aids (e.g., reminder notes or electronic devices) or family members for things they used to handle on their own.Whats a typical age-related change? Sometimes forgetting names or appointments, but remembering them later.2. Challenges in Planning or Solving ProblemsSome people may experience changes in their ability to develop and follow a plan or work with numbers. They may have trouble following a familiar recipe or keeping track of monthly bills. They may have difficulty concentrating and take much longer to do things than they did before.Whats a typical age-related change? Making occasional errors when balancing a checkbook.3. Difficulty Completing Familiar Tasks at Home, Work or LeisurePeople with Alzheimers often find it hard to complete daily tasks. Sometimes, people may have trouble driving to a familiar location, managing a budget at work or remembering the rules of a favorite game.Whats a typical age-related change? Occasionally needing help to use the settings on a microwave or to record a television show.4. Confusion with Time or PlacesPeople with Alzheimers can lose track of dates, seasons and the passage of time. They may have trouble understanding something if it is not happening immediately. Sometimes they may forget where they are or how they got there.Whats a typical age-related change? Getting confused about the day of the week but figuring it out later.5. Trouble Understanding Visual Images and Spatial RelationshipsFor some people, having vision problems is a sign of Alzheimers. They may have difficulty reading, judging distance and determining color or contrast, which may cause problems with driving.Whats a typical age-related change? Vision changes related to cataracts.6. New Problems with Words in Speaking or WritingPeople with Alzheimers may have trouble following or joining a conversation. They may stop in the middle of a conversation and have no idea how to continue or they may repeat themselves. They may struggle with vocabulary, have problems finding the right word or call things by the wrong name (e.g., calling a watch a hand-clock).What's a typical age-related change? Sometimes having trouble finding the right word.7. Misplacing Things and Losing the Ability to Retrace StepsA person with Alzheimer's disease may put things in unusual places. They may lose things and be unable to go back over their steps to find them again. Sometimes, they may accuse others of stealing. This may occur more frequently over time.Whats a typical age-related change? Misplacing things from time to time and retracing steps to find them.8. Decreased or Poor JudgmentPeople with Alzheimers may experience changes in judgment or decision-making. For example, they may use poor judgment when dealing with money, giving large amounts to telemarketers. They may pay less attention to grooming or keeping themselves clean.Whats a typical age-related change? Making a bad decision once in a while.9. Withdrawal from Work or Social ActivitiesA person with Alzheimers may start to remove themselves from hobbies, social activities, work projects or sports. They may have trouble keeping up with a favorite sports team or remembering how to complete a favorite hobby. They may also avoid being social because of the changes they have experienced.What's a typical age-related change? Sometimes feeling weary of work, family and social obligations.10. Changes in Mood and PersonalityThe mood and personalities of people with Alzheimer's can change. They can become confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful or anxious. They may be easily upset at home, at work, with friends or in places where they are out of their comfort zone.Whats a typical age-related change? Developing very specific ways of doing things and becoming irritable when a routine is disrupted.