Seven Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease
As a Certified Senior advisor, I frequently get questions from my friends, family and colleagues regarding their parents and loved ones when they start to notice they are a little “off.” Usually, they are also entering the stage where they are beginning to question the ongoing ability of their loved ones to care for themselves or are planning for how to address future needs. When this conversation comes up, I try to educate them on the seven signs of what to look for as noted by the National Institute on Aging:
- Asking the same question over and over again.
- Repeating the same story, word for word, again and again.
- Forgetting how to cook, or how to make repairs, or how to play cards — activities that were previously done with ease and regularity.
- Losing one's ability to pay bills or balance one's checkbook.
- Getting lost in familiar surroundings, or misplacing household objects.
- Neglecting to bathe, or wearing the same clothes over and over again, while insisting that a bath has been taken or that the clothes are clean.
- Relying on someone else, like a spouse, to make decisions or answer questions they previously would have handled themselves.
When these types of indicators arise, I generally recommend they take the next step and see a neurologist. Fortunately, there is a fairly easy-to-administer test, called a Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), that can be taken to get a better understanding of the loved ones condition. The test is simple, doesn’t take very long, and gives a good indication of the person’s cognitive state.
If you need someone to care for your loved one, Right at Home is here to help. We have CNAs that are specially trained to understand and work with the unique needs of Alzheimer’s and dementia clients.
If you’d like to know more, or be put in touch with a professional to assist, please don’t hesitate to get in contact with our office at 410-846-0141 or info@rightathomeaa.com.
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