Early Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease That Are Not Memory-Related

By Geralyn DiGiovanni, Manager, Client Services | July 13, 2016 |

Elderly Care in Eastchester NY

If your aging parent has a family history of Alzheimer’s disease, you may watching for the signs of early Alzheimer’s. It is known that when identified early, Alzheimer’s disease can be better managed, though not cured. Many times, those who are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in the early stages can work on strategies more easily that help them to have better quality of life. It is well-known that Alzheimer’s disease affects the memory, so if you notice your loved one becoming forgetful and forgetting things they would otherwise remember such as names, locations, etc., you may suspect that it is Alzheimer’s disease. However, memory loss isn’t always the first sign. In fact, there are many other early signs that you should be on the lookout for that are not memory-related at all. Here are a few of them:

Difficulty Making Plans or Solving Problems

Everyday tasks that require a bit of planning or problems solving such as following and making a recipe, balancing a checkbook, or updating a calendar or datebook can become a challenge for a person in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. Is your aging parent asking for help more often with tasks that they usually do themselves? Are everyday tasks taking them a bit longer to complete? Be sure to keep a log of these incidents when you notice them for when your loved one visits their doctor.

Confusion Over Words

If your loved one has began to forget the words for things or often has a hard time finding the right words to say, it could be an early symptom of Alzheimer’s disease. You may notice that they are experiencing confusion over words if they seem to have an increased difficulty carrying on a causal conversation.

Losing Items

Losing items, even frequently used items, once in a while is normal for everyone, but if your loved one seems to be losing things very frequently, it could be a cause for concern, especially if they find they are unable to retrace their steps and find the item eventually. A person in the early stages of Alzheimer’s may also put items in unusual locations or even accuse others of stealing things.

Anxiety and Depression

While mood changes can be a sign of many different medical conditions, they can also be a sign of early Alzheimer’s. Be observant and keep track of your loved one’s moods. Are they more irritable or suspicious than usual? Do they seem depressed or anxious? These are all signs that should be communicated to their doctor.

If you or an aging loved one are looking for elderly care in Eastchester, NY, call the friendly staff at The Perfect Home Care at (855) 855-5728. Call today!

Source: http://www.webmd.com/alzheimers/guide/early-warning-signs-when-to-call-the-doctor-about-alzheimers

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Geralyn DiGiovanni, Manager, Client Services

Manager, Client Services at The Perfect Home Care

Geralyn DiGiovanni has been marketing director of The Perfect Home Care since July, 2013. She’s responsible for promoting the agency by identifying and reaching out to market segments that align with the services offered by The Perfect Home Care. Among others, she works closely with geriatric care managers, elder care attorneys, and assisted living facilities. Her industry-specific experience includes multiple stints as a companion aide for seniors. She also has extensive experience in the publishing industry, where she worked as an account manager. “I love this industry and am passionate about working with seniors,” she says.

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