Why is Mom Forgetting Her Keys? Key Signs of Alzheimer's

Watching our loved ones get older is a tough situation as they start to change and things become more difficult for them to do. It’s even worse if they develop a condition such as Alzheimer’s or some other type of Dementia. Alzheimer’s is a disease affecting the human’s brain, and causes them to show trouble with thinking, reasoning skills and memory. At Home Healthcare believes it is important for individuals to understand the key signs of Alzheimer’s so they can help provide the care their loved ones deserve.

Common signs of Alzheimer’s include the following:

• Memory loss: This is probably the most common sign that you would notice in regards to Alzheimer’s. It is usually the most recent information that the person with Alzheimer’s tends to forget. Sometimes, they forget more important information such as events, dates, and more. They may ask the same question multiple times or rely on memory aids. These individuals often require help for some of the things they are unable to handle on their own.
• Difficulty with simple tasks: If the person has trouble with some of the tasks they used to do before, this may be a sign of Alzheimer’s. This could be tasks such as driving to somewhere they are used to or how to play certain games. It may be difficult to watch your loved one struggle, but it is important you help them as much as possible.
• Difficulty speaking or writing: During conversation, the person with Alzheimer’s may have trouble continuing at certain points or they may need to repeat themselves in hopes of remembering what they were going to say. Their vocabulary may also be limited because of this and it can be difficult for the individual to choose the right words when writing or speaking.
• Mood and personality changes: A person who has Alzheimer’s may become frustrated, confused, anxious, or scared. A lot of this stems from them being unable to complete the same tasks as before or remembering things. Situations when they are in an unfamiliar place or out of their comfort zone may also trigger a change in mood.
• Vision trouble: A person with Alzheimer’s may experience difficulty seeing certain things and visual images. It can result in an issue of depth perception, which can make driving more difficult. It is also common for them to have trouble with colors or contrast in the things they are viewing.
• Confusion with location and time: If you speak with a person and they are having trouble remembering dates or what time it is, they may have Alzheimer’s. It’s an interesting situation as they may also be unsure of how they got to their current location, as well as events that have happened at a certain time or on a certain date.
• Difficulty with problem solving: Perhaps the person with Alzheimer’s once enjoyed puzzles or putting together plans. The Alzheimer’s could make these tasks much more difficult and longer to complete than normal. This can cause frustration and confusion as they may be trying to follow a familiar list and plan.

If someone you love is dealing with Alzheimer’s and you need help to provide in-home care, we encourage you to call our At Home Healthcare team to learn how we may be able to help you. It is important to make sure your loved one has the proper care they need and deserve. Reach out to us today and learn what services we provide that can be beneficial in helping your loved one.