More and more families across the country are being affected by the growing Alzheimer’s epidemic. As family members take on the role of caregiver, knowing more about the disease and its warning signs can help family members and caregivers know when they are dealing with normal memory loss and when it might be something more serious. Alzheimer’s disease typically begins after 60, and the risk increases with age. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, there are ten warning signs for Alzheimer’s:
- Memory loss that disrupts daily life – forgetting recently learned information or important dates
- Trouble in planning or solving problems – difficulty following familiar instructions, recipes, how to pay monthly bills, etc.
- Difficulty completing familiar tasks – trouble driving to or navigating to familiar places
- Time and place confusion – losing track of days or seasons
- Trouble understanding visual images or spatial relationships – difficulty judging distance or determining colors
- New problems with speaking or writing – repetitive speech, trouble following conversations
- Misplacing things, inability to retrace steps – putting things in unusual places, may accuse others of stealing
- Decreased or poor judgment – problems dealing with money, paying less attention to grooming
- Withdrawal from work or social activities – shying away from social functions or tasks
- Changes in mood or personality – easily upset, confused, suspicious, fearful, etc.
Live Free Home Health Care of Concord, New Hampshire offers expert in-home care for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, including respite care for family caregivers. Live Free Home Health Care’s caregivers are specially trained in Alzheimer’s and dementia care by co-owner Jennifer Harvey, RN, a Certified Dementia Practitioner. Caregivers learn the unique approach required to gently encourage someone with Alzheimer’s, using patience, specific activities, diversion and some shared laughter.
For more information about our Alzheimer’s care services, contact us in the Lakes Region or Central New Hampshire, at 603-217-0149.