The medical world has come a long way in understanding and treating Alzheimer’s. Because it is a slow-progressing illness, it is easy to miss the early signs of Alzheimer’s disease. Additionally, it is often a complex subject to approach, as it will be life-changing. It was believed that Alzheimer’s didn’t start until later in life. However, recent studies show that Alzheimer’s disease signs can arise as early as in your 20s and 30s.
Those genetically predisposed to familial Alzheimer’s disease are at a higher risk of contracting the condition due to the genetic link to a parent or grandparent with the diagnosis. As with all conditions, catching the problems early on helps with treatment. If you are looking for Alzheimer’s disease help in Springfield, LA, our caring and compassionate staff can help. Call 844.334.4727 to speak with someone from Springfield Wellness Center today about signs of Alzheimer’s disease and to learn more about our services.
Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease
It is always important to remember that age-related forgetfulness does not necessarily mean you or your loved one has Alzheimer’s. An example of memory loss due to age might be the inability to remember someone’s name but then recalling it a little later. Another example might be making occasional mistakes while paying bills or cooking. Some Alzheimer’s disease signs include the following:
- Increasing difficulty with following usual instructions
- Making multiple mistakes with grocery lists, finances, recipes
- Forgetting important dates
- More frequently relying on lists or other people to remember things to do
- Familiar tasks become a struggle to remember, such as forgetting how to work the microwave or how to turn the car off
- Losing things frequently and blaming others for the disappearance of items
- Differences in terms of personality, including being aggressive, moody, suspicious, fearful, or anxious
- Losing a sense of judgment, possibly leading to wasting money
- Becoming stubborn about hygiene
- Saying inappropriate things
- Difficulty carrying on a normal conversation due to not finishing sentences or not remembering words
- Declining interest in regular activities, such as watching a football game or engaging in hobbies
Vision problems can be age-related or are caused by cataracts. However, vision issues may be another early sign of Alzheimer’s disease. Typical symptoms of the disease are the inability to judge distance, difficulty with motor coordination, and difficulty viewing colors. Another warning sign of Alzheimer’s disease has to do with time passage. Not knowing the day of the week, the year, or the season can all be signs of the disease. Asking the same question, again and again, concerning a particular date is another indicator.
Progression of Alzheimer’s Disease Signs
There are typically five stages of the condition. This varies from person to person. Stages of Alzheimer’s disease symptoms include the following:
- Preclinical – Only noted in research settings as no signs are yet apparent.
- Mild changes in thinking or memory – Doesn’t affect relationships or work.
- More severe changes as dementia become a factor – Patients may experience forgetfulness, poor judgment, slight variations in personality, and losing items.
- Moderate dementia – Increasing problems with remembering, judgment, and confusion. Needing help with simple tasks and having more pronounced personality changes. May begin to have “sundowners”—aggression that appears late in the afternoon and can last through the night if not medicated
- Severe dementia – This last stage is usually the hardest for family members. A patient in this stage will often be incoherent, require round-the-clock personal care, be unable to eat alone, and have trouble swallowing or controlling bowel movements.
As a patient nears the final stage of progression, hospice care is often an option. This type of care focuses on providing comfort and meeting a patient’s needs. It also includes support for family members as they grieve the inevitable.
Neurodegenerative Disease Treatment at Springfield Wellness Center
It may be disturbing to see a loved one exhibit these warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease. Luckily, the following treatment programs are available at Springfield Wellness Center to help patients deal with the effects of neurodegenerative diseases:
- Treatment for neurodegenerative diseases
- Alzheimer’s and dementia treatment
- Parkinson’s treatment program
- Mood disorder treatment
These treatments are ideal for younger patients struggling with Alzheimer’s disease signs that arise earlier in life than usual. Also, treatment plans can be customized to suit a patient’s needs. We understand the challenges of dealing with signs of Alzheimer’s disease and are here to help.
Find Hope in Louisiana at Springfield Wellness Center
If you or a loved one is showing signs of Alzheimer’s disease, it can be devastating. However, there are many avenues for assistance and support groups for caregivers. Don’t allow the facts to overwhelm you. Remember that every case is different.
The warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease can be trying. Springfield Wellness Center offers a complete Alzheimer’s program to care for you or your loved ones as the disease progresses. Contact Springfield Wellness Center today at 844.334.4727 to ensure comprehensive care that helps deal with Alzheimer’s disease signs.