Recognizing the early signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s and dementia is crucial for planning the right care for your loved one. The sooner these symptoms are identified, the quicker professional support can be arranged at home.
Here are the ten most common signs your loved one may need in-home care:
1. Loss of memory that affects instrumental activities of daily living
One of the first signs family members see when a loved one is facing cognitive decline is mismanagement of personal finances. Bills pile up going unpaid, getting paid twice, or checks go out unsigned. Sometimes the ability to balance the checkbook is lost, creating overdrafts and unwanted calls from financial institutions.
Other times those living with Alzheimer’s and dementia begin the task of writing a check and forget how to do it midway. This not only leads to frustration for the client but can have catastrophic consequences such as eviction or repossession of a vehicle.
Another sign family members may see early on is an empty refrigerator. Planning a grocery list and finding specific items for a recipe in the grocery store become overwhelming.
Instrumental activities of daily living that were once a simple part of life now require extended focus and concentration. Our caregivers help clients overcome these challenges by maintaining bill pay calendars, helping to set up auto pay for certain bills, and assisting with shopping needs.
2. Decline in problem solving/planning abilities
For clients with Alzheimer and dementia small problems can become overwhelming overnight. A problem with the plumbing or a garage door opener now requires skills that they no longer possess.
They are not sure who to call, can’t find the number or can’t seem to locate their phone. Hosting a birthday party which requires meal planning, invitations and decorations is no longer a joyful endeavor.
Caregivers can provide just the right amount of support to help their clients move in the right direction and solve the problem or plan the event and provide those with Alzheimer’s or dementia a sense of control.
3. Challenges with words and loss of writing ability
The damage to the brain caused by Alzheimer and dementia affects the way that a person thinks, which may also impact their ability to respond appropriately to a question or follow along with a conversation.
Oftentimes it is a struggle to find the right words. It may be that they can’t remember the word, or it may be the inability to form the word properly through speech. Using substitutes for words such as referring to a “sock” as a “foot cover” is also another sign of speech impairment that results from Alzheimer’s and dementia.
With these diseases, writing ability like other cognitive functions, can decline due to brain degeneration. This can lead to difficulties with word selection, spelling and sentence structure as well as the ability to write and the quality of handwriting.
4. Losing track of time and place
People living with Alzheimer’s or dementia can lose track of days, dates, seasons and the passage of time. They may struggle with planning and keeping appointments and at times they may forget where they are or how they got there.
5. History of wandering
For those with Alzheimer’s and dementia, wandering may become a big cause of concern for family members. Wandering is primarily linked to declining cognitive skills, including memory loss, confusion, and disorientation. Wandering poses significant safety risks, including the possibility of falls, exposure to the elements, and the potential for traffic accidents.
6. Limited or lack of social interaction
For individuals facing Alzheimer’s and dementia, the lack of social interaction can lead to a feeling of isolation, which can worsen both mental and physical health. Lack of social interactions can also potentially quicken cognitive decline.
7. Mood and personality changes
Alzheimer’s disease damages brain cells in areas responsible for memory, language, and social behavior which may lead to personality and mood changes. Behaviors associated with feelings of agitation, aggression, depression, anxiety, irritability, suspiciousness, and disorientation can be challenging for both the individual and their caregivers.
8. Difficulty with recall skills and losing items easily
Forgetting recent events, names, or misplacing items can disrupt the daily life for those struggling with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Difficulty recalling information and losing things like keys, wallets and phones are common early symptoms of dementia.
9. Balance issues related to visual and spatial orientation
Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias can damage the areas in the brain that are responsible for processing visual and spatial information, leading to difficulties in interpreting visual images and spatial relationships.
Individuals with Alzheimer’s and dementia often experience balance issues stemming from this impaired visual-spatial processing which can lead to problems navigating, judging distances, and recognizing objects thus increasing the risk of falls.
10. Decline in decision making skills and judgment
A decline in decision making and judgement is a common symptom in individuals with Alzheimer’s and dementia. This is linked to changes in the brain’s frontal lobes, which control these functions. This symptom can manifest as difficulty with organization, poor financial decisions, or inappropriate public behavior.
Preferred Care at Home of Central New Jersey
If you’re noticing any of these symptoms in your loved one, it may be time to consider professional in-home care to help manage daily tasks, provide companionship, and ensure safety at home.
Preferred Care at Home of Central New Jersey offers skilled, compassionate care designed to support individuals with Alzheimer’s and dementia while promoting their dignity and independence.
Our caregivers are trained to assist with all aspects of daily life, providing your loved one with the care they deserve, and offering you peace of mind. Give us a call or send us an email to discuss your loved one’s needs.
