“Is it just a senior moment?” Because memory loss is a common side-effect of aging, you have probably asked yourself this question when you have misplaced your keys or forgotten which word to use. Sometimes these occurrences can be just a typical, age-related memory lapse. Other times it is an early sign of Alzheimer’s. If you have Alzheimer’s, you might be aware of how difficult remembering things or organizing your thoughts has become. Other times, it is possible that the changes are apparent to those close to you, but are difficult for you to recognize.
Alzheimer’s is a brain disease and the most common form of dementia among seniors. It causes a slow decline in memory and cognitive processing, and as it progresses, it affects emotions and inhibitions. Alzheimer’s affects about 4.5 million Americans and usually begins after the age of 60.
What are the symptoms of Alzheimer’s?
1. Memory loss
This is one of the most common signs of Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer’s particularly causes you to forget information you have recently learned. You may forget important dates or events, be prone to asking the same questions over and over, or have a growing need to rely on memory aids, such as meticulous notes or electronic devices, to help you accomplish menial tasks. It is possible that you have also become more dependent on family members to help you remember tasks that you used to handle on your own.
2. Changes in your ability to plan or solve problems
You might have trouble following a plan or working with numbers. Things now take much longer to do than they have before. Perhaps you can no longer follow your favorite recipes or forget to take care of your monthly bills that have been present for many years. These changes can be subtle at first, but can grow to hinder one’s self-esteem and ease of living if not properly addressed.
3. Difficulty completing common tasks
You may have trouble remembering how to get to a familiar location, like the grocery store, or have trouble navigating the aisles once you get there. This is a place you have presumably been to many times previously, and yet there is a mental block that seems to stand in the way of the typical familiarity of the space. Assuming you are lost can create feelings of anxiety, panic, or general discomfort and disorientation.
4. Losing track of time
You may consistently lose track of the date, seasons, and simply the passage of time. A common side effect of Alzheimer’s is not being aware of your surroundings and forgetting how you got to your current location. Keeping a cell phone on your person and having emergency contacts clearly labeled can create a buffer of safety for a person with Alzheimer’s, because there is the potential for someone to be able to help them back to safety using that information.
5. Losing things
Someone with Alzheimer’s may put things in unusual places; for instance, putting their phone in the oven or their keys in their jewelry box They may also have trouble retracing their steps in order to locate the lost item. It is not uncommon for someone with Alzheimer’s to think that someone is stealing from them. Creating good habits of placing personal items in the same spot does not mend the root of the problem, but can allow friends and family to quickly alert someone with Alzheimer’s to the location of their lost things.
6. Trouble with visual images and spatial relationships
You may experience trouble with reading comprehension or judging distance. Other problems may arise, such as discerning color or contrast, which can impair judgement in many scenarios. The most dangerous of these scenarios would be driving. Color recognition and a basic reading ability are very necessary to navigate and avoid potentially hazardous situations. If you find that your reading or color discernment is gradually slipping away, take caution and stay off the road for your own safety, and the safety of others.
7. Problems with words
You may find yourself feeling increasingly self-conscious during general conversation. You might stumble over your words or find that your mind consistantly goes blank on what to say next. It is not uncommon for people with Alzheimer’s to have trouble following, or joining in on, a conversation. They may stop, mid-sentence, not knowing how to continue, or they may begin to repeat themselves. They might also have difficulties finding the right word, and call things by the wrong name.
8. Poor judgment or decision-making
Someone with Alzheimer’s can become easy prey for telemarketers and scammers. Because Alzheimer’s often comes with impaired understanding or judgment, it can lead to blind trust in people. It is important for someone with Alzheimer’s to consult with a trusted confidant before giving away money or replying to questionable emails and text messages. Poor judgment can also lead someone with Alzheimer’s to pay less attention to grooming and personal hygiene.
9. Social withdrawal
You may be feeling self-conscious or awkward about being in social setting, when that was not a concern or thought that you had in the past. Someone with Alzheimer’s may feel too awkward to socialize with friends or stay involved with work or hobbies. It is imperative that family members and friends of someone Alzheimer’s to be patient and open. Be sure to work with them so that they feel love, accepted, and supported. Social isolation is dangerous for people of any age and it should be avoided at all costs.
10. Mood/Personality Changes
You may find yourself riding the highs and lows of your day and feel particularly out of control of your emotions. It’s not uncommon for a person with Alzheimer’s to feel extreme mood shifts, ranging from confusion, to depression, to fear or anxiety. It can be very frustrating to misplace your keys for the 5th time this week, or forget to do a task that you made careful notes to accomplish. Patience and reassurance is the key to helping someone you love that has Alzheimer’s
Having some of these symptoms on a mild level is a very normal part of aging. If you or a loved one experience an overwhelming amount of these symptoms, speak to a professional about receiving a diagnosis. Living with Alzheimer’s does not have to mean the end of a normal life. It means adapting and learning how to manage symptoms so that you can live your life to the fullest.
