Alzheimer’s is a progressive brain disease that causes a gradual decline in memory, thinking, and reasoning skills. While its first symptoms can vary from one person to the next, various forms of cognitive impairment may indicate the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.
Signs of Mild Alzheimer’s Disease
In the first stages of Alzheimer’s disease, a person may outwardly appear to be healthy, but increasingly struggle to understand the world around them.
Problems can include:
- Memory loss
- Poor decision-making skills
- Loss of motivation and initiative
- Taking longer to complete typical daily responsibilities
- Asking the same questions over and over
- Trouble handling money and paying bills
- Wandering and getting lost
- Losing things or putting them away in unusual places
- Mood and personality changes
- Increased anxiety or aggression
Alzheimer’s vs. Poor Memory
As Alzheimer’s disease progresses, neurons stop functioning and the connections between them weaken, causing cognitive symptoms to worsen. Though scientists aren’t entirely sure what causes this cell death and tissue loss, amyloid plaques that form in the brain are one of the potential contributors.
While some amount of forgetfulness is typical with age-related changes, memory loss that is significant enough to disrupt someone’s daily life is cause for concern. Some people living with Alzheimer’s have a diminished ability to follow instructions or keep up with monthly bills. If your loved one finds it hard to concentrate or finish tasks, these could be warning signs of Alzheimer’s.
Alzheimer’s can also make it challenging for people to follow a conversation, organize their thoughts, think clearly, or remember the correct words for everyday objects. As a result, they may become isolated and withdrawn, which can compound their mental and physical health problems.
Effective Alzheimer’s Treatment
While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, specific treatments can help improve your loved one’s quality of life. The FDA has approved medications that fall into two categories: those that may slow the disease’s progression, and those that can temporarily mitigate some of the symptoms. When considering any treatment, talk to a health care professional to determine whether it is appropriate. A physician with experience in prescribing these medications can monitor your loved one’s health and provide directions for safely using them.
Knowledgeable, Compassionate Alzheimer’s Care Companions
While the early stages of Alzheimer’s may be mild and cause only minor complications, Alzheimer’s can progress to a point where your loved one has problems getting dressed, expressing themselves, and recognizing family and friends. It will become increasingly difficult for you to give them the attention they need while you simultaneously deal with the emotional stress of having a loved one with an incurable illness.
An experienced home caregiver will help keep your loved one with Alzheimer’s safe, comfortable, and allow them to maintain their independence longer. At Legacy Homecare LA, our Care Companions provide compassionate daily support throughout all stages of Alzheimer’s disease, drawing from a wealth of knowledge to seamlessly follow and adjust to an evolving custom care plan that will change with your loved one’s needs.
Our team treats all our clients with the respect and empathy they deserve, personalizing our services to your loved one’s preferences. Reach out when you’re ready to learn more.
