10 Signs of Alzheimer’s

Recognizing the signs of Alzheimer’s is crucial if your parents or elderly loved ones begin showing signs of memory loss, impaired judgment, and other signs of dementia. This progressive neurological illness affects several parts of the brain and can lead to a complete loss of function without proper care. Fortunately, seniors with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia can find support through memory care services at an accredited senior living community. 

Ventana is a full-service retirement community that offers memory care for seniors at our high-rise facility in Dallas. We have a full-time staff of experienced RNs, therapists, medical technicians, and support staff to meet our residents’ medical and personal needs. Our community features many services and amenities, from on-site beauty salons and barber shops to nutritious meal plans, religious services, and much more. For more information about our memory care services, call 214.225.6197 or message us online today, and we will get back to you within 24 hours. 

Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease

Experiencing some memory loss and cognitive decline is inevitable for most people, but that does not mean they have Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia. During an average day, you might misplace your keys, struggle to find the right words, or miss an important appointment, but for valid reasons. Your spouse or partner may have moved your keys, or perhaps you accidentally dropped them. You may struggle to find the right words but can complete the conversation and not get confused. You could miss an appointment because you are overworked or under a lot of stress. 

The signs of Alzheimer’s can come on slowly over several years but can increase with age. Studies show that nearly seven out of ten seniors over 75 have Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia, compared to three out of ten seniors between 60-65. If you begin seeing early signs of Alzheimer’s disease in your parents, begin learning all you can about this disease and how you can help slow the progression of this neurological illness. 

10 Signs of Alzheimer’s 

Here are ten signs of Alzheimer’s disease that you should be familiar with if your parents are beginning to show early signs of Alzheimer’s:

1. Memory Loss

Memory loss is one of the first signs of Alzheimer’s and impacts day-to-day activities. Seniors may forget to do household chores, bathe, brush their teeth, or take medications.

2. Struggling to Perform Familiar Tasks

Those experiencing early signs of Alzheimer’s might experience difficulty with simple tasks. These may include balancing, baking or cooking, driving, and caring for personal hygiene.

3. Mixing Up Words

Individuals with Alzheimer’s often mix up words without realizing it. They think they are saying one thing, but what comes out is something completely different

4. Confusion

Seniors with Alzheimer’s may become confused about where they are or the time of day. They may forget what they are doing, get lost around their home, or wander and end up in a strange location without knowing how they got there.

5. Impaired Judgment

Those who have Alzheimer’s may struggle with impaired judgment. They may fill the wrong prescription, wear winter clothes during the summer, or drive to the wrong location.

6. Problems Recognizing Numbers and Symbols

Seniors who have Alzheimer’s might stop recognizing street signs. They may also experience difficulty figuring out the correct recipe measurements or reading digital or analog clocks.

7. Misplacing Items

An early sign of Alzheimer’s may include putting items in the wrong places. Individuals might put car keys in the refrigerator. They may also incorrectly divide up medications in pill boxes. 

8. Mood Swings or Inappropriate Behavior

One of the telltale symptoms of Alzheimer’s is shifts in mood, such as from happy to sad, for no apparent reason. Aggressive or inappropriate behaviors are also common among people with progressed dementia. 

9. Personality Changes

Feeling confused, fearful, or paranoid indicates Alzheimer’s disease. Seniors may withdraw from friends and family or revert to a child-like personality.

10. Lack of motivation

Individuals with Alzheimer’s may lose interest in their favorite activities. They might also sleep all of the time or experience symptoms of depression.

If you recognize any of these signs of Alzheimer’s disease in your parents or elderly loved ones, it may be time to enroll them in a senior living community with memory care services.

Find Compassionate Memory Care for Seniors at Ventana

Ventana’s senior living community is the best place for your parents if they show signs of Alzheimer’s and need full-time care from a professional team. Our memory care facility provides private rooms in a secure facility where they will get the care and attention they need. Treatment programs can include speech, occupational, and speech therapies, medication management, and many personal services and amenities to maximize their sunset years.

If your parents are showing early signs of Alzheimer’s disease, call 214.225.6197 or complete our online form today to schedule a tour and meet our dedicated team.