Early detection of Alzheimer’s disease can mean a world of difference. Diagnosis of the disease in its early stages can give you the opportunity to seek treatment and plan ahead. Although Alzheimer’s disease does not currently have a cure, some treatments and lifestyle changes may be able to help slow the process. You will also be able to decide how you will handle the future, such as contacting a Maine Home Care agency (like MAS Home Care of Maine) that specializes in Alzheimer’s care.

Does memory loss disrupt your daily life?
Forgetting names, appointments or where we put something is a typical occurrence as we age. Usually we remember them later on. Alzheimer’s disease may be present if the forgetfulness involves newly learned information or important dates and events. If you find yourself repeating the same questions or needing to write everything down it could be more than just normal aging. Read the list of warning signs below if you suspect that you or a loved one may have Alzheimer’s disease.

1. Do you find yourself having trouble working with numbers? Every now and again we all may make a mistake in our checkbook, but consistent trouble with balancing numbers and keeping track of bills spells trouble for many reasons.
2. Is it difficult for you to complete familiar tasks and routines? If you have trouble driving to familiar locations, remembering recipes you have made several times, or remembering the rules of a familiar game, it could be another sign of Alzheimer’s.
3. Do you wonder where you are or what the date is? Individuals with Alzheimer’s disease can often lose track of time. This includes dates and seasons too. Past and present may become blurred. They may also stop and wonder where they are or how they got there. Needing to ask what today’s date is once in a while is one thing, but being confused about the month or year is another.
4. Are you having trouble with your vision? Many aging adults experience some form of vision impairment. It may be a sign of Alzheimer’s if the difficulty is with reading, judging distance, determining color or contrast.
5. Do you have sudden trouble speaking or writing? If someone is having trouble maintaining a conversation frequently they should get it checked out. Stopping in the middle of a conversation, constantly repeating themselves, and calling items by the wrong name are all signs.
6. Do you lose things a lot? Let’s face it. We all misplace things. You should be able to retrace your steps and find it again most of the time, though. If your loved one frequently accuses others of stealing items they have lost themselves it may be more than just a simple mistake.
7. Is your judgment slipping?  No one is perfect, but if your judgment seems to be poor lately you may want to take a closer look at your decisions-making skills. Signs of poor judgment are giving away large amounts of money or losing interest in hygiene and grooming.
8. Do you find yourself choosing to be alone more frequently? A person with Alzheimer’s may lose interest in hobbies or socialization. Everyone needs some down time, but to suddenly stop talking to a long time friend and become withdrawn could be a sign of the disease.
9. Has your mood changed drastically? Confusion, suspicion, depression, fear, and anxiety on a frequent basis are key moods and personality changes to look out for.

If you answered yes to many of these questions, it is time to consult with a doctor. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions – we are a great resource center!

MAS Home Care provides home care services throughout Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island.