When it comes to Alzheimer’s, early detection is key. The sooner a patient gets a diagnosis, the more help caregivers and loved ones will be able to provide. That’s why every senior and senior caregiver needs to be able to spot the signs of Alzheimer’s.
The Signs of Alzheimer’s
If you’re a senior or you have an aging loved one, you’re probably well aware of the possibility of Alzheimer’s. However, you may not know that early detection is essential to helping an individual with Alzheimer’s get the care they need. Why is early detection important, and what signs of Alzheimer’s should you be ready to spot?
Why Is Early Alzheimer’s Detection Important?
Since there is no known cure for Alzheimer’s, some people believe that the timing of an Alzheimer’s diagnosis isn’t important. However, the experts agree that the earlier someone is aware of their Alzheimer’s diagnosis, the better their overall outcomes will be.
- While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, several medications can help alleviate its effects. These medications are more effective if they are taken earlier in the course of the disease’s onset. An Alzheimer’s diagnosis can also give you access to clinical trials and other developing therapies that may help.
- Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease, which means its impact will become more severe over time. Identifying the disease earlier will allow a senior affected by it more time to plan with loved ones and ensure their care wishes are followed. It also gives loved ones more time to research options and make arrangements for when more intensive care is needed.
- For some seniors, anxiety around if and when Alzheimer’s will develop can be overwhelming. Screening for Alzheimer’s and starting treatment when appropriate can alleviate that anxiety, and give a senior a comforting sense of control.
What Signs Should I Look For?
Before you look for signs of Alzheimer’s in yourself or a loved one, it’s important to remember that memory issues are a normal part of aging and don’t necessarily indicate that a problem is occurring. That being said, the signs of Alzheimer’s are primarily related to memory lapses:
- Frequently forgetting about recent events or recently-learned information
- Misplacing everyday items
- Difficulty remembering specific words, phrases, or objects
- Hesitancy to engage in new situations, or excessive rigidity in thinking
- Unexpected mood changes, such as recent agitation or depression
While some of these symptoms can be alarming, they don’t represent a medical issue on their own. However, once they begin to have a negative effect on a senior’s life, an Alzheimer’s screening might be a good next step. Caregivers should keep an eye out for signs of worsening symptoms:
- More notable memory lapses, including forgetting the names of longtime acquaintances
- Evidence of confusion and disorientation, such as forgetting what day it is or where they are
- Increased difficulty with speech or language
- Delusions, suspicion, or paranoia
If a caregiver notices any of these symptoms, seeking medical advice is a crucial step. If the condition is Alzheimer’s, a diagnosis will help. And if it’s something else, medical experts can assist you in resolving the issue.
____
Knowing how to help someone once you spot the signs of Alzheimer’s can feel tricky. If you need help, reach out to a trusted medical professional.
Are you interested in retiring in Springfield, Missouri? At Springhouse Village, we know how important it is to enjoy your retirement in a lively and welcoming environment. We make it easy for our residents to be active participants in our community. Whether that means encouraging residents to join an exercise class or assisting them in starting a garden club, we strive to help our residents thrive. To learn more about the amenities and services we offer, contact Springhouse Village today by sending us a message online or calling 417-708-3403.