Dementia. Alzheimer’s disease. These words strike fear in every family with aging loved ones. We all want our beloved elders to live long lives, unburdened by serious disease or physical disability. Yet we must face up to the fact that dementia is fairly common in elders; it’s estimated that 13.9 percent of those aged 71 years and older in the U.S. have dementia. Dementia is not one specific disease, but rather a broad term that describes a constellation of symptoms associated with declines in memory or other cognitive skills which are severe enough to reduce a person’s ability to perform everyday tasks.
The most common and severe type of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease. Over 5 million people in the U.S. have Alzheimer’s disease; every 67 seconds, someone in the U.S. develops Alzheimer’s. It is the 6th leading cause of death in the U.S. and the 5th leading cause of death in those 65 years of age and older.
For those of you with aging loved ones, understanding the symptoms and behaviors of Alzheimer’s dementia is critical so that you’re able to help them get prompt treatment and specialized care. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, these are the top 10 symptoms associated with dementia:
- Memory loss that disrupts daily life
Particularly significant is memory loss for recently learned information. Other behaviors include asking the same question over and over; relying on memory aids or family/friends for help with activities that used to be easily accomplished.
- Difficulties in planning and/or problem solving
Examples would include difficulty in following a familiar recipe; problems paying or keeping track of bills and expenses; or general difficulty with numbers.
- Challenges in completing familiar tasks at home, work or leisure
Problems driving to a favorite and familiar restaurant or getting lost driving home is a cause for concern and medical follow-up. Other examples include forgetting the rules to favorite games or finding difficulty with routine work activities.
- Time or place confusion
People with Alzheimer’s may lose track of dates, seasons, the concept of past and future, or how they arrived at some location.
- Trouble interpreting visual and spatial cues
Difficulties in reading, judging distances, and seeing colors and contrast are common behavioral symptoms.
- New problems with speaking and/or writing words
Common behaviors include stopping in the middle of a conversation because of a lack of ability to choose the right word; frequently using the wrong word to describe something.
- Misplacing items and inability to retrace steps
Someone with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia may put things in the wrong place (e.g. a shoe in the refrigerator); might not be able to retrace his/her steps when looking for something; may begin to accuse others of deliberately stealing or hiding misplaced items.
- Negative changes in judgment and decision-making
Behaviors can include poor financial decisions such as giving away money to disreputable people or causes; poor hygiene and grooming; inappropriate choices in attire.
- Work and social withdrawal
Someone suffering from Alzheimer’s may stop participating in formerly-enjoyed hobbies, activities or sports. She/he might withdraw socially at work and at home.
- Mood and personality changes
Behaviors can change dramatically in those with Alzheimer’s disease. The individual may exhibit confusion, illusions, paranoia, anger, suspicion, depression, or anxiety. They may become childlike and difficult to reason with, even around spouses, children and close friends.
Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s dementia
The time may come when Mom, Dad or Aunt Alice needs focused and dedicated care in a community with specialized memory care skills. If that day arrives, look for a community that offers:
- Personalized care developed just for your loved one
- Evidence-based training in a world-class approach that calls on all the latest research in dementia and Alzheimer’s treatments
- A superbly trained staff that will treat your loved one with compassion, respect and love.
How can we help answer your questions about dementia care?
{{cta(‘4a4f332a-54d3-4705-8e44-fac2b62b57cc’)}}