June marks the start of Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, a time to not only raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and dementia but also to honor the millions of families and individuals affected by these conditions. Alzheimer’s is a progressive brain disease that impacts memory, thinking, and behavior, often leading to the need for specialized care.
Common Signs & Symptoms of Alzheimer’s
While Alzheimer’s disease presents differently for each person, several common signs and symptoms often appear in the early stages. Recognizing these early warning signs is crucial for seeking timely help and ensuring appropriate care. Here are some key symptoms to watch for:
Difficulty Recalling Recent Events – One of the most common signs of Alzheimer’s is difficulty remembering recent events or conversations. This may appear as forgetting familiar names, routine appointments, or important dates – like their own birthday or their spouse’s. While occasional forgetfulness is normal, frequent lapses that disrupt life may indicate Alzheimer’s.
Disorientation – Disorientation is another hallmark of Alzheimer’s. Individuals may become lost in places they know well, including their own neighborhood or even within their own home. Other signs of disorientation include confusion about the season, difficulty keeping track of time and dates, or forgetting how to get home from a nearby location.
Mood Swings and Personality Changes – Individuals with Alzheimer’s often experience mood swings and personality changes. Early on, anxiety may be prominent, but confusion, irritability, and depression are also common. Social withdrawal is another symptom; your loved one may begin avoiding friends, family, or engaging in their favorite activities.
Challenges with Daily Tasks – As Alzheimer’s progresses, individuals may have trouble completing common everyday tasks. They may struggle with balancing a checkbook, following a recipe, or even getting dressed in the correct order. Over time, these challenges can make independent living difficult.
The Importance of Support
When someone is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, it’s important to remember that support is needed for everyone involved, not just for the person living with the disease. Alzheimer’s and other memory disorders not only affect cognitive function but also impact the emotional and physical well-being of caregivers and family members.
Family caregivers often face immense emotional and physical stress as they manage the care of their loved one. This is especially true for spouses, who may feel overwhelmed by the added responsibilities. Family members need to seek support to prevent caregiver burnout, whether through support groups, professional counseling, or respite care services.
Finding the right support also means understanding the various care options available should the need arise down the road. Some families may choose to provide care at home, while others might need more specialized services, such as memory care. Memory care facilities offer a safe, structured environment tailored to the needs of individuals with Alzheimer’s and dementia. They focus on symptom management and maintaining a high quality of life.
How Senior Living Solutions Can Help
At Senior Living Solutions, we understand how overwhelming it can be to navigate the world of Alzheimer’s and dementia care. We specialize in helping seniors and their families find the right alternatives to nursing homes, including memory care facilities and home care options. Our expert consultants are here to guide you through the process, offering free advice and support to help you make the best decision for your loved one.
Every family is unique, and we’re proud to offer personalized assistance to ensure that your loved one finds the care they need. If you’re beginning to explore memory care or other senior living options, let us help make the journey easier. Reach out to us today by calling 501-650-3013.