No matter the time of year, visiting with aging parents is both rewarding and eye-opening. It is exciting to see loved ones, but adult children are also more apt to notice disconcerting differences in their parents’ behavior.
Sadly, as parents age, they become more at risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
Every 67 seconds, someone in the United States develops Alzheimer’s. As the sixth leading cause of death in the United States, it is the only cause in the top 10 that is unpreventable or incurable.
However, early detection of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia can make an incredible difference. Those suffering from dementia will not only be able to get the maximum benefit from treatments, but they’ll also have more time to plan for the future and can seek support services.
Caretakers, adult children and family members should be on the look-out for these 10 early symptoms and warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease:
- Be aware of warning signs that disrupt daily life, such as: Late notices from utility companies or other monthly recurring bills stacking up.
- Forgetting a familiar family recipe could be a sign of challenges in planning or problem solving.
- Difficulty completing familiar tasks, like getting to a family member’s house.
- Confusion with time or place, such as: If they don’t understand that Thanksgiving dinner is happening or forget how they got to dinner.
- Difficulty reading, judging distance and determining color contrast. But, don’t confuse this with typical age-related vision changes related to cataracts.
- Repeating himself or herself, or forgetting what they were talking about in the middle of conversation.
- Misplacing everyday items in unusual places.
- Poor judgment in dealing with money or paying less attention to grooming or keeping themselves clean.
- Withdrawal from social situations, like avoiding holiday celebrations altogether.
- Clear signs of anxiety, urgency, agitation, paranoia or appearing confused about his or her surroundings.
If you notice that someone you love is experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to speak up and encourage them to see a doctor. Though loved ones may show resistance, a doctor will better evaluate your parent’s health and offer them the help, guidance and information they need.
Next time you spend time with your aging parents, remember to keep these symptoms in mind. A visit is an opportune time to catch up, and check-in.