Top 10 Alzheimer’s Warning Signs

Alzheimer’s disease is no longer a stranger to most Americans. Affecting an estimated 35.6 million people worldwide, it’s one of the most talked about -and often misunderstood - dementia medical conditions of the modern era. If you’re concerned that you may have a parent or a loved one at risk for or developing signs of Alzheimer’s, consult a doctor. Looking online at the tremendous amount of information now available for this condition may also help in finding out information you could use. In addition, here are 10 warning signs to watch for:

• Memory loss that disrupts daily life – forgetting recently learned information or important dates, such as a conversation you just had with your loved one

• Trouble in planning or solving problems – difficulty following familiar instructions, recipes, how to pay monthly bills, etc.

• Difficulty completing familiar tasks – trouble driving to or finding familiar places

• Time and place confusion – losing track of days or seasons

• Trouble understanding visual images or spatial relationships – difficulty judging distance or determining colors

• New problems with speaking or writing – repetitive speech, trouble following conversations

• Misplacing things, inability to retrace steps – putting things in unusual places, even accusing caregivers or family members of stealing possessions

• Decreased or poor judgment – problems dealing with money, paying less attention to grooming, lack of motivation, forgetting to eat

• Withdrawal from work or social activities – shying away from social functions or tasks

• Changes in mood or personality – easily upset, confused, suspicious, fearful, etc.

If you have a spouse or loved one either exhibiting or beginning to exhibit any of these symptoms, it’s important to share them with his or her physician. And if assistance at home becomes necessary in order to care for the loved one, or simply to give the family caregiver a break from taking care of the loved one, AAging Better is available at any time to provide trained caregivers to help with the loved one's care at home. Know that you’ll always have caring assistance whenever you need it from the staff at AAging Better In-Home Care.

Serving the Greater Coeur d’Alene/Post Falls/Hayden area, the Greater Sandpoint/ Bonners Ferry/Priest River area and the Greater Kellogg/Wallace/Pinehurst area, we provide a full range of services for those with Alzheimer’s and their families, including:

• Meal preparation

• Assistance with medication

• Assistance with bathing and dressing

• Transfer and standby assistance for toileting or incontinence

• Assistance with hygiene

• Respite care

• Skilled nursing care (RNs and LPNs)

• Case management (coordination of care)

• And much more

From a minimum of two hours per day up to a full 24-hours, around-the-clock care, we’re here for you or your loved one. Call us at 866-464-2344, email us or drop in to one of our offices at any time to learn more.