Early Signs of Alzheimer's

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD)

Alzheimer’s is the most common form of Dementia, which is a term used to describe memory loss and mental deterioration. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, more than 5.8 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease.

Though this degenerative disease has no cure, understanding and identifying the warning signs of AD can help you to effectively manage the condition and care for your elderly loved ones.

Early Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease

Your elderly loved one may be developing Alzheimer’s disease if you notice any or all of the following symptoms:

Memory Loss

Memory loss is one of the most common signs of AD. Forgetting recently learned information, forgetting important dates, or asking repetitive questions are also signs of memory deterioration.

Trouble Completing Otherwise Familiar Tasks

Regular day-to-day tasks that require critical thinking skills, such as driving safely or getting lost on a frequently used route may also point to AD.

Confusion with Time and Places

Those living with Alzheimer’s can experience trouble keeping track of time, dates, and even seasons, commonly forgetting where they are and how they got there.

Difficulty Articulating Thoughts

Some may experience trouble contributing to conversations. You may notice them stopping in the middle of a thought or forgetting names for common objects, such as calling curtains “window blankets.”

Misplacing Items More Often

Those living with AD are prone to misplacing things and are unable to trace their steps to look for them. It’s also common for them to accuse others of stealing or hiding items as the disease progresses.

Withdrawal from Work and Social Activities

You may notice your elderly loved one opting out of social events that would have previously been important to them. Avoidance and withdrawal become increasingly common as the condition progresses.

Personality and Mood Changes

Extreme mood swings and changes in personality may appear. Some common changes may include:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Fear
• Confusion

Decrease in Judgement

Those living with AD may have lapses in judgment when it comes to decision-making. For example, they may be more frivolous with spending money or make risky maneuvers while driving.

Treatment in Ridgecrest, California

At Ridgecrest Regional Hospital, our team of trained professionals are dedicated to providing services with maximum independence and dignity to seniors of the Indian Wells Valley and the Rand District with Kern County. To learn more about our senior services or schedule an appointment, visit our website or give us a call at (760) 446-3551.