5 Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease Families Should Look Out For

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5 Alzheimer's Symptoms to Keep an Eye Out For in Victoria, BC

The natural aging process causes several changes in the human body, which may include a slight decrease in cognitive function. However, a senior in the initial stages of Alzheimer’s disease often exhibits an array of symptoms. By recognizing the following early symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, family members can assist their elderly loved ones in getting a proper diagnosis. 

1. Difficulty Remembering Date & Time

The memory loss experienced by seniors with Alzheimer’s goes beyond not knowing the current date or time. Seniors may face difficulty remembering current events, and they cannot perceive the difference between night and day. As with young children, the concept of time is beyond comprehension. The disease also affects short-term memory. You may notice your loved one not remembering what was said in the previous minutes, or he or she may commonly repeat phrases or stories and ask the same questions time and again. 

Alzheimer’s disease is just one of the many health issues older adults are susceptible to. Seniors can face a variety of age-related challenges. Though some families choose to take on the caregiving duties, there may come a time when they need a trusted Victoria in-home care provider. Families sometimes need respite from their duties so they can focus on their other responsibilities, and some seniors need around-the-clock assistance that their families are not able to provide. Home Care Assistance is here to help.

2. Falls, Slips, and Trips

If your loved one has become prone to tripping and falling, it may be a sign of Alzheimer’s disease. Apart from cognitive issues, Alzheimer’s disease causes disruptions in depth and spatial perception. Unless there is a high degree of color contrast between objects, they appear to be on the same plane to a senior with Alzheimer’s disease. You might see your loved one walk around specific areas in flooring or rugs, as these are perceived as holes. He or she may trip up or down street curbs. Falls on steps can lead to serious injuries. 

3. Disorientation

After the concept of time diminishes, seniors with Alzheimer’s disease can lose place recognition. They may travel down the same streets for decades. However, one day they no longer know where they are and cannot find their way back home. If your loved one goes out unaccompanied, he or she may be at a greater risk for getting lost. Seniors with Alzheimer’s are also more prone to danger, as they often lack the ability to discern potentially hazardous situations. 

Caring for a senior loved one with Alzheimer’s disease can be a challenging task. Families who find it difficult to care for their aging loved ones without assistance can benefit greatly from professional respite care. Victoria, BC, family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties can turn to Home Care Assistance. Using our proprietary Balanced Care Method, our respite caregivers can encourage your loved one to eat well, exercise regularly, get plenty of mental and social stimulation, and focus on other lifestyle factors that promote longevity.

4. Behavioral and Emotional Changes

Seniors in the early stages Alzheimer’s disease are often fully aware of the cognitive difficulties they are experiencing. They become frustrated and may demonstrate irritability when they can no longer accomplish simple tasks. Seniors often become depressed, fearful, and angry as they grieve over the loss of cognitive function. 

5. Inability to Recognize Objects

It is quite common to misplace an object. However, it is quite another to look at something and not remember the name or purpose of that object. Inability to recognize simple objects could represent memory loss experienced by seniors with Alzheimer’s disease. When seniors no longer remember how to use personal hygiene items, household appliances, or food preparation tools, they may face difficulty completing simple daily tasks.

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. Victoria, BC, 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. To hire a professional in-home care expert for your senior loved one, call Home Care Assistance at (250) 592-4881 today.

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