There are more than five million Americans living with Alzheimer’s according to the Alzheimer’s Association. But despite medical advances, the causes of dementia and Alzheimer’s are still largely unknown. What doctors do know is that Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia. As the disease progresses, brain cells become damaged and begin to die. This deterioration causes a slow decline in memory and mental function, which can cause someone suffering from Alzheimer’s to start presenting warning signs of dementia. Because Alzheimer’s and dementia are progressive and there are currently no cures, it is important to know and recognize the warning signs so you can get the medical care and support you and your loved ones need.
Warning Signs of Dementia
Memory Loss
Alzheimer’s doesn’t usually appear suddenly. Instead, this disease progresses slowly. But one of the most common and recognizable warning signs of dementia is memory loss. While it’s normal to forget names of people you’ve recently met or to misplace your car keys now and then, someone suffering from dementia will show regular signs of memory loss. This could include repeating conversations and questions without realizing it or forgetting the names of loved ones and family members (even if it’s someone they see often). They may get lost in familiar places or start putting things away in unusual spots. You might also notice them forgetting what day of the week it is.
As the disease progresses and a person’s memory gets worse, they often find it difficult to complete daily tasks. If someone has Alzheimer’s, they might get lost driving to work or to a family member’s house even though they’ve driven that route countless times before. They might forget passwords and access codes for personal accounts or struggle to complete their typical routine. If you’re concerned someone in your family is showing warning signs of dementia, consult the Alzheimer’s Association website for a list of 10 common symptoms.
Trouble Making Decisions
Another warning sign of dementia is a reduced ability to solve common problems. This could be as simple as no longer being able to properly write checks or pay bills. If your loved one seems to struggle making plans or scheduling activities, this could be a warning sign. Even being unable to follow a recipe or written instructions could be a sign of Alzheimer’s.
Trouble Speaking or Writing
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, another warning sign of dementia is the inability to complete sentences or follow conversations. As Alzheimer’s progresses, people often struggle to join a conversation. They might repeat themselves or forget words. When this happens, you might notice them start to call things by the wrong name. Although we all forget words sometimes, someone suffering from Alzheimer’s may notice this happening repeatedly and with very common words.
Changes in Mood
It is very common for someone suffering from Alzheimer’s to experience shifts in mood. They might seem suspicious or anxious or become depressed and withdrawn. These changes in mood can be exacerbated when the person is taken out of their comfort zone. You might also start to notice someone with Alzheimer’s removing themselves from hobbies and social activities they once loved. This is often the result of stress or anxiety that comes from the inability to remember the rules and structure or those activities.
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The warning signs of dementia can be easy to spot if you know what you’re looking for. If you or a loved one is worried that it might be time to start looking for a memory care facility, consider joining our community at Waterstone on Augusta. Located in the heart of downtown Greenville, South Carolina, our facility is a premier assisted living and memory care community that provides an enriching lifestyle for seniors. Our staff works diligently to create a customized care plan for each of our residents. One aspect that sets Waterstone on Augusta apart is the village-like landscape that provides a unique experience for those who call the community home. Schedule a tour online or give us a call at 864-605-7236.