10 warning signs of Alzheimer's
1. Memory loss. He has just asked you if you would like a cup of coffee and 5 minutes later he asks you again. Forgetting the simplest of information is one of the first signs of dementia.
Watch out for: Forgetting names, phone numbers, addresses and appointments.
2. Difficulty performing familiar tasks. She may forget how to cook her specialty bread and butter pudding, not been able to use a phone or she could phone you 10 times a day and not even know that she is doing it
Watch out for: Forgetting what she was ringing you for, not knowing how to play her favorite card game, forgetting why she came into a particular room for.
3. Problems with language. People with dementia will find it hard to remember a simple word such as trying to remember what a glass is called they will know how to describe it and know what it is for but will forget what it is called.
Watch out for: Not being able to find the right word.
4. Disorientation to time and place. Alzheimer`s sufferers may wonder off and not know where they are, where they are going or how they got there.
Watch out for: Wondering off, not knowing where they are or what day or time it is.
5. Poor or decreased judgment. People with Alzheimer’s may dress unusual wearing odd socks, wearing a tie without a shirt. Their judgment will deteriorate and will be more trusting especially with people that they would never usually trust door to door sales men etc..
Watch out for: Objects going missing. People with Alzheimer`s often give money, clothes and other possessions away.
6. Problems with abstract thinking. Someone with Alzheimer’s may find it difficult to do simple sums and may even forget what numbers are for.
Watch out for: No longer regarding money.
7. Misplacing things. Most people with Alzheimer`s will forget where they have put something even 5 minutes they have put them down. You may also find that items will turn up in unusual places shoes in the bin, wallet in the fridge.
Watch out for: Misplacing keys or a wallet.
8. Changes in mood or behavior. Someone with Alzheimer’s may show rapid mood swings – from calm to tears to anger – for no apparent reason and will become frustrated because they don`t know why they feel like this.
Watch out for: Feelings of frustration, mood swings.
9. Changes in personality. People with Alzheimer’s may take on many personalities one minute he will be his normal self the next he might not know who you are. He might also be confused and suspicious.
Watch out for: Personality change. Get to know the different personalities.
10. Loss of initiative. A person with Alzheimer’s may lose interest in what was once enjoyable they may not want to do anything any more except sit in front of the TV or sleep all day.
Watch out for: Deteriorating not wanting to do anything.