Alzheimer’s is a form of dementia that leads to memory loss and, in later stages, may even result in personality changes. While there is not a cure for Alzheimer’s, catching the disease early allows for easier adjustment and palliative treatment to slow progression. The following are just a few symptoms to keep in mind:

Family History As A Risk Indicator

It is known that individuals who have a family member who has developed Alzheimer’s are at an increased risk of developing the disease. If a parent, grandparent or sibling has developed Alzheimer’s, your risk increases. This doesn’t mean that you’ll develop the disease but you will want to watch for early warning signs a little more closely.

Short Term Memory Decrease

It’s normal to forget things once in a while, but constantly forgetting appointments, birthdays and other important events can be a red flag. Keep in mind that short term memory can be affected by several factors including stress, sleep deprivation, and illness. However, if you have found that you are consistently forgetting important tasks and events despite plenty of rest, it may be time to talk to your doctor- especially if someone in your family has Alzheimer’s.

Trouble With Instructions

Your cognitive function allows you to solve problems and follow instructions. Because the cognitive function is affected early in Alzheimer’s, trouble with instructions and recipes can be an early indicator of the disease. This is especially true if you have been generally good with following instruction manuals and recipes in the past.

Speech Difficulties

Speech is also affected early and usually manifests as small mistakes at first. However, if you are mispronouncing or forgetting words, it is important to speak to your doctor as soon as possible.

At Sutton In-Home Senior Care, we know that dealing with Alzheimer’s can be very difficult, which is why we have trained professionals who are able to help. Contact us today to find out how we can help you and your family.