June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month which means it is an opportune time to explore the disease more in depth. Here at Bayshire, our memory care in Carlsbad is dedicated to helping all of our senior residents who struggle with cognitive decline, including Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. That is why we have compiled a list of what key early signs and symptoms look like and what you should be aware of.
Continue reading to gain more helpful insight below:
#1.) Daily Life is Disrupted
First and foremost, one of the earliest signs of Alzheimer’s disease is when forgetfulness or memory loss begins to interfere with daily life. We have all been there and forgotten where we set our keys or couldn’t remember where we parked at our local shopping center. However, when these kinds of occurrences are beginning to disrupt the day to day and are happening on a much more frequent basis, it could be a red flag for dementia.
#2.) Difficulties with Problem Solving
Have you noticed that planning and problem solving have recently become an issue for your aging parent or other senior loved one? This might present itself as having a hard time following a set of instructions for a new cooking appliance or recipe. In other instances, it may include being unable to properly balance a checkbook or keep track of finances. Once these types of issues start occurring, it’s time to schedule an appointment with a doctor for dementia testing. If left unchecked, these could escalate into larger issues, putting the senior at risk both physically and financially.
#3.) Trouble Completing Familiar Tasks
Everyone struggles with completing tasks from time to time. New technology can easily present a learning curve, especially for older adults. That being said, if you notice your loved one is having trouble completing otherwise familiar and routine tasks, this is something to take note of. For example, they may not remember the rules to their favorite board game or have difficulties operating a dishwasher they have had in their kitchen for many years. Try to keep track of how often this is happening so that you can share it with their physician.
#4.) Inability to Keep Track of Time and Place
Those who have Alzheimer’s disease or dementia often lack the ability to accurately keep track of both time and place. They often might become confused about where they are or how they got there. In some instances, they may even lose track of the current season, month, or even year. When this happens, it can be very dangerous, especially if the senior lives alone. This confusion can lead to dementia wandering, a behavior which can cause their disorientation to further compound.
Once you notice this behavior, making the transition to a senior living community could be the safest option. Communities such as our memory care in Carlsbad are designed specifically for those with dementia. With a focus on safety and security, you can rest assured that your loved one won’t have the opportunity to wander, even if they do become disoriented. On top of that, our kind and compassionate staff are there to assist every step of the way.
#5.) Vision Changes
In some cases, seniors in the early stages of dementia may encounter issues with their vision. Even if they don’t come outright and report vision difficulties, you may be able to spot changes in behaviors that might indicate a change in their vision. For example, are they struggling with their balance or frequently bumping into furniture? Are they having a hard time reading, judging distances, or even discerning color and contrast? Vision issues can be caused by a wide variety of things, so it’s imperative to seek out help from a doctor as soon as possible.
#6.) New Issues with Communication
Another red flag you need to be aware of is if your loved one is having new issues with communication both written or verbally. Someone with dementia may struggle to join in on a conversation or keep up with the topic being discussed, even if it is one that they may normally be familiar with. You might also notice a recent decline in their handwriting or ability to properly spell.
A few other communication issues include:
- Repeating themselves over and over within a short period of time
- Inability to remember names, even of loved ones
- Replacing the names of common household objects with nonsensical or vague terms
- Asking the same question multiple times but never remembering your answer
If you spot these behaviors, it could be time to ask for help from your loved one’s doctor or begin research for a community that specializes in memory care in Carlsbad.
#7.) Drastic Shifts in Personality
Whether they are your mom, dad, grandparent, or other beloved family member, you have known your senior for a very long time. This means that you are extremely familiar with their personality, hobbies, interests, and all the other special attributes that make them who they are. Should you notice a drastic change in their personality or mood, this isn’t something that you should be quick to dismiss. In fact, it could be an early indication of Alzheimer’s disease. Those with dementia tend to become more withdrawn, lack an interest in social activities, frequently grow anxious or nervous, and may even become frustrated and lash out. Be aware of these personality shifts and report them to your loved one’s doctor at their next visit.
Move to the Best Memory Care in Carlsbad
Following a dementia diagnosis, knowing what your next steps are can be extremely difficult. After all, you want to ensure that you are taking the time necessary to see that your senior is going to be receiving the quality care that they deserve. Here at our memory care in Carlsbad, it is our commitment to offer a wealth of services and amenities to help our residents lead safe, happy, and healthy lives. To find out more about our community or to book a tour, be sure to contact us today!