There has been a lot about Alzheimer’s disease in the news for the past few years, and for good reason. The progressive, degenerative neurological disease for which there is presently no cure affects an estimated 35.6 million people worldwide. However, do you know what warning signs to look for in your loved one?
Memory loss that disrupts daily life – forgetting recently learned information or important dates
- Trouble in planning or solving problems – difficulty following familiar instructions, recipes, how to pay monthly bills, etc.
- Difficulty completing familiar tasks – trouble driving to or navigating to familiar places
- Time and place confusion – losing track of days or seasons
- Trouble understanding visual images or spatial relationships – difficulty judging distance or determining colors
- New problems with speaking or writing – repetitive speech, trouble following conversations
- Misplacing things, inability to retrace steps – putting things in unusual places, may accuse others of stealing
- Decreased or poor judgment – problems dealing with money, paying less attention to grooming
- Withdrawal from work or social activities – shying away from social functions or tasks
- Changes in mood or personality – easily upset, confused, suspicious, fearful, etc.
If you are caring for a loved one who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, it is important to understand the hidden dangers that can come with caregiver burnout. Contact the professional caregivers at Hillendale Home Care in Walnut Creek and the entire Bay area for information about our home care and respite care services.
