Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia, affecting one in every ten people over the age of 65.
While some issues related to memory can be related to stress, exhaustion, or anxiety, it is important to pay attention to your symptoms to ensure it’s not more serious. If you experience the following symptoms on a regular basis, it might be time to talk to your physician:
- Memory loss that disrupts daily life. Do you lose track of important dates, forget about appointments, or rely on notes to remember simple tasks? Forgetting things every once and awhile isn’t a big deal, but it might be a good idea to talk to your doctor if you think memory loss is affecting your ability to live normally.
- Difficulty planning or solving problems. A lot of people in the early stages of Alzheimer’s find it difficult to develop a plan or work with numbers. This can lead to issues with paying bills, cooking, and other daily tasks.
- Confusion with time and place. Alzheimer’s can lead to losing track of dates, losing a sense of time, and feeling disoriented. It can also cause people to get lost easily in places they’re familiar with.
- Changes in vision. Difficulty reading, changes in depth perception, and difficulty determining colors can be a sign of the early stages of Alzheimer’s.
- Losing things often. Misplacing your keys from time to time after a long day is normal. But if you find yourself putting keys, TV remotes, jewelry, and other things in unusual places, then it might be time to consult a physician.
- Problems with speaking. People with Alzheimer’s may have trouble following words or joining a conversation.
- Changes in mood or personality. The mood and personality of people with Alzheimer’s can change. They can become anxious, frustrated, and depressed, especially when experiencing memory loss or confusion.
Is Alzheimer’s Easy to Diagnose?
Because the symptoms of Alzheimer’s are similar to those of other conditions, it’s difficult to diagnose. Cognitive health is evaluated with a comprehensive evaluation that may include medical history, physical examination, neurological and mental status assessments, analysis of blood and urine, and possibly an imaging exam, such as CT, MRI, or PET scan.
Contact Healthspan Partners of SWFL if you believe you or a loved one might be suffering from Alzheimer’s. We provide comprehensive dementia care through a suite of services that includes caregiver support and education, transitions of care, care coordination, community-based services and supports, and respite care provided in homes and day centers. Give us a call at 863-356-1979 or schedule a conversation through our secure online form.