Alzheimer’s Support Ten early signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease
Alzheimer’s Support
Memory loss that disrupts daily life may be a symptom of Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia. Alzheimer’s is a brain disease that causes a slow decline in memory, thinking and reasoning skills. Here are 10 warning signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s. If you notice any of them, see a doctor. Memory loss that disrupts daily life. A common sign of Alzheimer’s is memory loss, especially recently learned information. Others include forgetting important dates or events, asking for the same information over and over, increasingly needing to rely on family members for things they used to handle on their own. Challenges in planning or solving problems. Some 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, keeping track of bills or concentrating. Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home or work. People with Alzheimer’s often find it hard to complete daily tasks. They may have trouble driving to a familiar location, managing a budget or remembering the rules of a favorite game. Confusion with time or place. People with Alzheimer’s can lose track of dates and the passage of time. They may have trouble understanding something if it is not happening immediately, or forget where they are or how they got there.
Alzheimer’s Association
2835 E. Carson St. Suite 201 Pittsburgh, PA 15203 (412) 261-5040 24/7 Helpline: (800) 272-3900 alz.org/pa The Alzheimer’s Association provides vital services and support to individuals struggling with this disease, as well as their families and caregivers. Helpline The above 800 helpline is toll free and confidential. Calls are answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by an operator who can: • answers questions about Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. • be an outlet to express your feelings and concerns to someone who understands your situation and can offer practical tips for coping. • offer ongoing, unconditional support during the course of the disease. • provide insight into the effects the disease will have on the afflicted person and family members. • offer information on assessment centers, legal and financial issues, home care, adult day services, personal care homes, nursing homes and other community resources.
Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships. For some, having vision problems is a sign of Alzheimer’s. They may have difficulty reading, judging distance and determining color or contrast. Problems with words in speaking or writing. People with Alzheimer’s may have trouble following a conversation. They may stop in mid-sentence and have no idea how to continue, or they may repeat themselves. Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps. A person with Alzheimer’s may put things in unusual places, lose things and be unable to retrace steps to find them. They may accuse others of stealing.
The Right Care, Right at Home® The Right Care, Right at Home®
at Home of Greater The Right Right Care, RightPittsburgh at Hom Right at Home of Greater Pittsburgh (412) 824-0700 (412) 824-0700 Right at Home of Greater Pittsburg www.rightathome.net/greater-pittsburgh Withdrawal from work or social activities. The person may Decreased or poor judgment. People with Alzheimer’s may experience changes in judgment or decision-making; for example, giving large amounts of money to telemarketers. They may pay less attention to hygiene. start to remove themselves from social activities. They may have trouble keeping up with a favorite sports team or remembering how to complete a favorite hobby. They may avoid being social because of the changes they have experienced.
The Right Care, Right at Home® www.rightathome.net/greater-pittsburgh
(412) 824-0700
Right at Home of Greater Pittsburgh
www.rightathome.net/greater-pittsburgh (412) 824-0700
Changes in mood and personality. The personalities of people with Alzheimer’s can change. They can become confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful or anxious. They may be easily upset at home or in places that are unfamiliar. Source: Alz.org
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2020 Allegheny County Senior Resource Guide
www.rightathome.net/greater-pittsburgh