Common Signs of Alzheimer’s and Dementia

Knowing the common signs of Alzheimer’s and Dementia allows people to take early preventative action which means the conditions can be treated more effectively for the person affected.

Although these conditions cannot be ‘cured’ early detection means strategies can be put in place to help so that the effects can be minimised for the person.

It is very important that people are familiar with the stages of these conditions and put the necessary supports in place.

Common Signs of Alzheimer’s & Dementia

Memory Loss

  • The person asks for the same information over and over again
  • They are forgetting rules of a favourite card or board game
  • They can’t follow a well-known recipe anymore
  • Difficulties driving to familiar locations
  • They can’t remember where they parked the car

 

Confusion

  • Confusion about time and place like which day of the week.
  • They have difficulty reading, judging distance
  • Difficulty determining colour or contrast
  • Poor Judgement – giving money to telemarketers/obvious scams

 

Losing things

  • This can be a word or the train of conversation
  • New problems emerge with words in speaking or writing
  • Misplacing things or putting them in unusual places

 

Mood Changes

  • Becoming confused, suspicious, depressed,
  • Being fearful or anxious especially when out of their comfort zone

 

People with early-stage Alzheimer’s or Dementia can feel very anxious and stressed because of the experience of the symptoms above.

They may withdraw from work or social activities because of the fear of the unknown and what is happening to them.  Therefore they need support to help them through what to them is a terrifying experience.

 

How We Can help

Applewood Homecare are specialists in Dementia and Alzheimer’s support. We can provide strategies and advice to ensure you can effectively care for loved ones in their own home environment.

Our approach to dementia care is person-centred care – to treat the person as an individual.  All carers undertake training programmes about the early identification of memory problems in older persons.  Because this training focuses on the experience of suffers of memory loss,  carers have a good understanding of the challenges faced by clients.

Also, it provides insight into the approach to dementia treatment by G.P’s and mental health professionals.  This programme has proved excellent support in terms of information on how best to support our clients and their families.

If you are worried about your loved one please visit your GP as early intervention can provide strategies to support the impact of Alzheimer’s or Dementia.  If you want any further advice please feel free to call us on 01 4992201 or email us at info@applewoodhomecare.ie.

 

Alzheimers and Dementia Care Homecare