You have probably seen Alzheimer’s Disease portrayed in films or on TV, or you may have heard a friend talking about how the disease affects their loved ones. How much do you know about this medical condition that affects so many people, especially seniors, in our country? According to the Mayo Clinic, Alzheimer’s Disease is “a progressive neurologic disorder that causes the brain to shrink (atrophy) and brain cells to die.”
It is estimated that more than 11 percent of people over the age of 65 struggle with the disease, which is made more troubling by the fact that there is no cure for Alzheimer’s. (Be mindful that Alzheimer’s differs from dementia, a general term for confusion and decline in mental ability, and the two shouldn’t be used interchangeably.) Recognizing the signs of Alzheimer’s in a loved one means you can be proactive about their care and find them the best environment to live with the disease. Here are the most common signs:
Misplacing objects
Sure, everyone loses their keys from time to time, but if your aging loved one starts misplacing objects in illogical places, this may be a sign of memory loss through Alzheimer’s. Similarly, confusion in familiar environments should raise concerns.
Repeating old conversations
If your loved one is struggling with Alzheimer’s, they may not remember questions they asked you earlier in the day or conversations you had recently. When you start to hear the same things repeated over and over, it could be time for an intervention.
Not seeming like themselves
Is your loved one making judgments or decisions uncharacteristic of themselves? This could be a red flag! Watch out for mood swings, depression, and wandering.
Morrow Manor specializes in helping those with memory care needs like Alzheimer’s. If you’re looking for a place that can give your loved one the right medical and emotional attention, call us at 419-768-2401.