According to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, as many as 5.1 million Americans may have Alzheimer’s disease, a fatal brain disease that causes a slow decline in memory, thinking and reasoning skills. A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease can be frightening and devastating to an individual and their loved ones, which is why you must be able to find Alzheimer’s caregivers who are reliable and trustworthy.

While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, there are treatments and therapies that can slow the worsening of dementia symptoms and improve the quality of life for those with the disease and their caregivers. If you suspect your loved one is showing symptoms of Alzheimer’s, it is extremely important to be proactive by getting them to their physician, and if a diagnosis is made, select Alzheimer’s caregivers that meet the specific needs of your loved one as soon as possible.

10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s

1. Memory loss that disrupts daily life: Forgetting names, places, and events along with household items and new information as well.
2. Challenges in planning or solving problems: Difficulty with normal planning procedures such as paying bills or cooking. The Ability to concentrate on a single task is severely hindered.
3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home or at work.
4. Confusion about time and place: People with Alzheimer’s can often be confused by the passage of time and lose track of dates very easily.
5. Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships: Other symptoms include difficulty reading, accurately judging distances and identifying colors or contrast.
6. New problems with words in speaking or writing: It is common to have trouble finding the appropriate words for situations, completing basic sentences and makes it much more difficult to follow directions and listen to others.
7. Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps: People with Alzheimer’s may put things in unusual places or accuse others of stealing.
8. Decreased or poor judgment when making decisions: Having Alzheimer’s makes people more susceptible to monetary scams due to poor judgment and decision-making skills.
9. Withdrawal from work or social activities.
10. Changes in mood or personality: Signs include increased depression, fearfulness, anxiety or suspicion, rapid and persistent mood swings, withdrawal, and disinterest in usual activities.

If your loved one is displaying any of these warning signs, it is vital to have them evaluated by a physician and screened for Alzheimer’s. It is important to remember that Alzheimer’s disease is not a normal part of the aging process, and it should not be mistaken for basic forgetfulness. Every person may experience one or more of these signs in different degrees, but with Alzheimer’s disease, these symptoms gradually increase and become more persistent. Professional Alzheimer’s caregivers can help manage the early phases of the disease to slow the detrimental and degenerative effects

Alzheimer's Support is the Most Important Resource

If a physician diagnoses Alzheimer’s, the more proactive you are in making decisions regarding caring for someone with Alzheimer's, the more you can manage the disease. Here are a few basic steps to help if you or someone you love is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s:

1. Educate yourself about the disease. The more you know, the more you can be prepared. The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America and the Alzheimer’s Association are two great resources.
2. Take care of financial, legal and long-term care planning issues. Discuss wishes related to future care and end-of-life issue
3. Employ cognitive stimulation. Listening to music, word puzzles and memory games can help and can provide a positive experience for the patient and Alzheimer’s caregivers.
4. Arrange respite and/or regular professional care. Even if you are willing and able to be a primary caregiver for an Alzheimer’s patient, you will need help, if only to take a short break. Plus, it helps to introduce Alzheimer’s caregivers while a person is still in the early stages of Alzheimer’s because once the disease progresses it can be more difficult and upsetting to change routines. When looking to hire home care help, try to find a person who has Dementia Care Professionals of America training or experience with dementia care clients. Visiting Angels of Hoboken, for example, the nation’s leading network for quality, compassionate in home care, is one local senior care franchised agency that provides this training to its staff.
5. Build a support system. Family and friends attempting to care for their loved ones with Alzheimer’s are often stressed out and overwhelmed. Professional Alzheimer’s caregivers can help alleviate that burden. Find people to talk to, reach out for help, and always make time to maintain your own physical and mental health. Many local hospitals and departments of aging offer free support groups, along with sites like the National Family Caregivers Association and Caring.com.

If you or your loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or related dementia, know that you are not alone. For more information or to explore care options, call Visiting Angels of Hoboken to find out how our professionally trained Alzheimer’s caregivers can help your loved ones today or request Alzheimer's care here to learn more.

Schedule your Free In-Home Assessment Today

Schedule your free in-home assessment with our Alzheimer’s caregivers today by contacting Visiting Angels of Hoboken at 201-533-1415.