Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s in Seniors

  • What are just normal signs of aging?

    Normal signs of aging do include some memory loss. Some examples are meeting someone we know at the gorcery store, but not remembering their name until later that day, attending a social event but later having difficulties telling others about the event, and occasionally misplacing things. There are specific signs to look for that clearly signal Alzheimer’s disease.

  • What are some warning signs of Alzheimer's?

    Some warning signs of Alzheimer’s include the inability to complete daily tasks, changes in mood or temperament, losing items in familiar places, and getting lost in familiar areas.

    Alzheimer’s sufferers also may forget what day or time of year it is, spend less care and effort in personal hygiene, and show a resistance to social outings, possibly in anticipation of their emerging communication difficulties.

    If you recognize any of these signs in yourself or a loved one, it’s important to get a checkup with your doctor.

  • What ill a doctor look at to diagnose Alzheimer's?

    Your doctor will look at memory loss and atrophy of your cognitive skills, daily functioning issues, and behavioral or personality changes. There may also be a specific memory test that may be administered and brain-imaging tests that will show the progression of the disease if present.

    These examinations will rule out other physiological conditions that may be affecting memory. The earlier the diagnosis, the earlier treatment can begin to lessen symptoms in order to maintain independence longer. There are also clinical trials for Alzheimer’s sufferers to participate in if they so choose.

There are many normal signs of aging that have us all wondering about memory loss.  We meet someone that we know in the grocery store yet we cannot remember their name right then.  We remember the name later that day.  We attend a social event but later we have difficulty telling others details about the event.  We misplace things occasionally.  These are all normal signs of the aging process, however there are specific symptoms that clearly signal Alzheimer’s disease.  

Alzheimer’s Signs to Look For:

  • The inability to problem solve or follow a plan.
  • The inability to complete daily tasks such as meal prep/eating, bill paying (they may forget what numbers are for and how to use them), and keeping appointments.
  • They may lose the ability to maintain a calendar, know what time of year it is or even what day it is.  They may forget what numbers are for and how to use them.
  • They may get lost walking along a familiar street.  If driving they may start out for a certain destination yet become disoriented and not be able to get back home.
  • Exhibits difficulty in concentration.  Conversations can stop without being finished.
  • Communication issues such as word retrieval in speech and or writing.  Alzheimer suffers also repeat statements/questions often without recognizing that they are doing it.  They often forget recent information.
  • A resistance toward social gatherings/outings.  This may be occurring because they sense their emerging communication difficulties and are withdrawing due to that.  They may not remember how to participate in their favorite activities or play a game.
  • Being unable to find items that they might have placed in an unfamiliar place.  Then not having the ability to retrace where they have been in order to locate the item.
  • Less care and effort in personal hygiene and grooming.
  • Significant change in temperament and mood.  They may become confused, angry, aggressive, anxious, depressed or fearful for no apparent reason.  This can happen at work, home or group settings.
  • Inadequate ability to reason when having to make decision or use judgment.

If you recognize these signs in yourself or a loved one, it is important to get a checkup with your family doctor.  They then might refer you to a Neurologist for specific testing to determine memory loss/Alzheimer’s.

Your Doctor will look at:

  • Memory loss and the atrophy of your cognitive skills.
  • Daily functioning issues/problems you may be experiencing.
  • Behavioral or personality changes you are exhibiting.
  • There may also be specific memory test that may be administered and brain-imaging tests that will show the progression of the disease if present.

These examinations will rule out other physiological conditions that may be affecting memory.

The earlier the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s the earlier treatment can begin to lessen symptoms in order to maintain independence longer.  There are also clinical trials for Alzheimer’s sufferers to participate in if they so choose.