WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE?

It is natural to slow down as we age into our 50s and 60s. However, how much of the slowing down is attributed to the typical aging process and how much of it is attributed to a memory decline medical condition called Alzheimer’s disease? At our senior living center in Denver, Colorado, our highly-trained caregivers know the answer to the question, what are the signs of Alzheimer’s disease?

Alzheimer’s disease represents a brain disorder that worsens over time. Physiological changes in the brain develop, which lead to the deposits of certain proteins that cause the brain’s mass to shrink. Around 6.5 million Americans suffer from Alzheimer’s disease, with more than 70 percent of patients being at least 75 years old.

Let’s review the most common signs of Alzheimer’s disease.

Memory Loss

Everyone experiences some type of memory loss, but with Alzheimer’s disease, memory loss gets much worse over time. Repeating statements and questions is one common symptom of memory loss, as is forgetting appointments and a special event such as a family reunion. Memory loss also concerns misplacing items like car keys or putting items in places where they do not belong. Getting lost in places they used to know afflicts Alzheimer’s patients as well. 

Memory loss can get bad enough that a patient might forget the names of family members and the objects used everyday.

Poor Judgments and Decisions

Loss of brain mass due to an increase in protein deposits negatively impacts the area of the brain that makes logical judgments and decisions. For example, someone living with Alzheimer’s disease might attempt to drive to a location that person has never been to in his or her entire life. He or she might see a destination on a map, and on impulse, attempt to drive there.

Poor judgments and decisions can involve social settings such as blurting out inappropriate statements during an event at an assisted living facility in Denver.

Processing Information

Alzheimer’s disease, especially in an advanced stage, makes it difficult to process information. An increase in protein deposits in the brain inhibits the ability to process abstract concepts like letters and numbers. The inability to process abstract concepts like numbers can make it impossible to balance the checkbook and pay bills on time. Completing ordinary tasks such as cooking and doing laundry turns into one misadventure after another.

Doing more than one task at the same time becomes particularly difficult as well.

Abrupt Personality Changes

At first, sudden mood swings can be dismissed as someone having a bad day. When mood swings become more frequent and pronounced, then the time has come to consider other reasons for the erratic behavior. An abrupt personality change can signal the onset of mental conditions such as depression and acute anxiety.

Someone living with Alzheimer’s disease might display anger and/or aggression, as well as lose interest in favorite activities.

Get Your Loved Proper Memory Loss Care

Caring for a loved one dealing with memory loss takes an immense mental, physical, and emotional toll. This is especially true for a loved one living with Alzheimer’s disease. As one of the highest-rated retirement communities in Denver, MorningStar at Observatory Park operates a memory care wing that helps residents live an active life while dealing with the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.

If the time has come to consider moving a loved one into a senior living center in Denver, CO, schedule a tour of our assisted living facility to learn more about the memory care services that we offer.