Treatments for Alzheimer’s disease have come a long way in recent years, but many older adults still fear receiving this diagnosis. It’s common for seniors to feel genuine worry when they begin to forget words or other important information. Forgetting words is one symptom of Alzheimer’s. However, the determination of whether a senior has Alzheimer’s disease is much more complicated. When you have a concern about your loved one’s memory lapses, you can use this guide to get to the bottom of what’s affecting his or her thinking skills.
Understand Normal Versus Serious Memory Lapses
Everyone has occasional memory lapses, and they do tend to happen more often among seniors. For instance, your loved one may forget to pay a bill or have difficulty remembering a word in a conversation. The difference between normal memory lapses and those that occur with Alzheimer’s disease is that the typical “senior moment” doesn’t happen frequently. When forgetting words is related to Alzheimer’s disease, you’ll notice it begins to happen more often, and it starts to eventually have an effect on your loved one’s ability to communicate. Your loved one may even start to avoid social situations if he or she fears feeling embarrassed by being unable to keep a conversation going or remember names.
Aging adults who need help managing mental and physical health issues can benefit from the assistance of a highly trained professional caregiver. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional elderly home care. Barrie, ON, Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.
Watch for Other Symptoms of Alzheimer’s
People with Alzheimer’s disease also tend to exhibit additional symptoms. Forgetting words may be only one small part of a larger number of instances of forgetfulness. Observe your loved one’s daily habits and conversations for signs of major memory lapses, such as consistently not paying bills until the utilities get shut off. Your loved one may also display unusual behaviors that demonstrate a reduced sense of judgment, such as taking up gambling or falling for scams that wouldn’t have deceived him or her in the past. As Alzheimer’s progresses, your loved one may also experience other language difficulties that go beyond simply forgetting words. In the later stages, your loved one may not be able to fully understand information he or she reads or hears. Once the symptoms of Alzheimer’s begin to affect your loved one’s comfort and ability to perform daily routines, it’s time to see a physician.
If your loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, help is just a phone call away. There are many reasons seniors might need assistance at home. Some may require regular mental stimulation due to an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, while others might only need part-time assistance with exercise and basic household tasks. Home Care Assistance is a leading Barrie elder care provider. Families rely on our expertly trained caregivers to help their senior loved ones maintain a high quality of life.
Seek a Professional Diagnosis
You cannot know for certain if your loved one has Alzheimer’s until you seek a professional diagnosis. When visiting the doctor, mention any symptoms your loved one is experiencing, and try to include as much detail as possible. The physician can perform tests to determine if your loved one has Alzheimer’s. These tests may include assessments to check reasoning and logic along with brain imaging tests that can detect lesions or plaques in the brain. If your loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, try to remember there are treatments available. Many seniors with this condition enjoy a high quality of life with proper care and support.
If you’re the primary caregiver for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease, you don’t have to go through it alone. Without the right assistance, Alzheimer’s can be challenging for seniors and their families to manage. If you’re looking for professional Alzheimer’s care, Barrie Home Care Assistance provides high-quality care aging adults and their families can count on. All of our hourly and live-in caregivers are trained to help seniors with Alzheimer’s live happier and healthier lives, and we also provide specialized dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care. To schedule a free in-home consultation, give us a call at 647-970-3803 today.