Alzheimer's Resources

Coping with Alzheimer's

We'll provide basic information on Alzheimer's, such as warning signs, and selecting a care facility specializing in dementia. However far and away the best source for more information on the disease is the Alzheimer's Association at www.alz.org.

What Is It

Alzheimer's is a disease that affects the function of the brain, it is progressive and can prove fatal. Alzheimer's accounts for 50 to 80 percent of dementia cases.

Warning Signs

1. The most common and usually first symptom of Alzheimer's is memory loss. Short term memory is affected by the disease, forgetting appointments, people's names etc. When memory loss starts effecting daily living, such as remembering to take medication, a few safe-guards would be appropriate.
2. Some people will experience issues with problem solving, or find they find it more difficult to follow a sequence of steps, such as in a recipe.
3. People with Alzheimer's often find it hard to complete daily tasks, things that were very routine before. For example Seniors may have trouble driving to a familiar location or managing a budget.
4. People with Alzheimer's can lose track of dates, seasons and the passage of time. Even more concerning they can sometimes forget where they are or how they got there.
5. For some people, having vision problems is a sign of Alzheimer's. They may have difficulty reading, judging distance and determining color or contrast. In terms of perception, they may pass a mirror and think someone else is in the room. They may not realize they are the person in the mirror.
6. People with Alzheimer's may have trouble following or joining a conversation. They may stop in the middle of a conversation and have no idea how to continue or they may repeat themselves. They may struggle with vocabulary, have problems finding the right word or call things by the wrong name (e.g., calling a "watch" a "hand-clock").
7. A person with Alzheimer's disease may put things in unusual places. They may lose things and be unable to go back over their steps to find them again. Sometimes, they may accuse others of stealing. This may occur more frequently over time.
8. People with Alzheimer's may experience changes in judgment or decision-making. For example, they may use poor judgment when dealing with money, giving large amounts to telemarketers. They may pay less attention to grooming or keeping themselves clean.
9. A person with Alzheimer's may start to remove themselves from hobbies, social activities, work projects or sports. They may have trouble keeping up with a favorite sports team or remembering how to complete a favorite hobby. They may also avoid being social because of the changes they have experienced.
10. The mood and personalities of people with Alzheimer's can change. They can become confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful or anxious. A normally easy-going person can Â"lash-outÂ" if they don't understand what's happening to them.

While there is no cure for Alzheimer's, detecting the disease early can allow the Senior to try to reduce the symptoms. There are a few trial medications available, and mental exercises that will help the mind stay sharp. In addition to reducing the symptoms of the disease, early detection allows the Senior to get their affairs in order, before they lose the capacity to make an informed decision.

Finding The Right Care For an Alzheimer's Patient

Because Alzheimer's is a disease that gets progressively worse, there will be a time when additional care whether in home or in a care facility will become necessary to keep the Senior safe. Most Seniors with Alzheimer's are eligible to be placed in normal assisted living or and nursing home facilities. For more information on Assisted Living and Nursing Home facilities please click over to our care options page. But as the disease progresses it may be time to consider placing the Senior in a facility that specializes in the Alzheimer's disease.