5 Early Signs of Alzheimer’s and Dementia

Alzheimer’s and dementia are becoming more common as our population ages and lives longer than ever. Studies show that one in nine adults over the age of 65 reports having Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Recognizing the signs of Alzheimer’s versus common age-related memory loss is easy to do once you learn the symptoms and early warning signs. Senior memory care can significantly improve their cognitive functions if you or your parents show signs of dementia or Alzheimer’s. 

At Baptist Retirement Community, we offer compassionate care for seniors with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. Moreover, residents receive medical and therapeutic care along with other services and amenities to make them as comfortable as possible. To learn more about recognizing the early signs of Alzheimer’s and dementia, call 325.313.7931 today to speak with our knowledgeable staff about our senior memory care and senior living community.

Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia

Scientists believe that Alzheimer’s and dementia occur after a buildup of proteins in the brain that then causes neurons to lose connection with other neurons and die. The buildup usually begins decades before any symptoms show up and can happen in any part of the brain. Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most common forms of dementia. In fact, it is one of the seventh-leading causes of death in the United States. 

Other forms of dementia include:

• Lewy body dementia
• Frontotemporal disorders
• Vascular dementia
• Mixed dementia
• Parkinson’s disease
• Huntington’s disease

Symptoms of dementia can become so severe that patients forget basic skills like walking or reading a book or forgetting when to eat. At Baptist Retirement Community, our certified medical staff and therapists work closely with residents with Alzheimer’s or dementia to help restore cognitive function and improve their quality of life. 

5 Early Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s and Dementia

To learn how to recognize the early stages of this debilitating brain disease, here are five early warning signs of Alzheimer’s and dementia:

1. Memory loss disrupts daily lives. Some memory loss is common with aging, like forgetting a name but recalling it later. Signs of dementia and Alzheimer’s, however, are a different matter. Senior will have trouble remembering new information, forgetting common appointments, or taking medications. Look for reminder notes around the house or on smartphones for simple, everyday tasks. 
2. Common tasks are harder to do. Other warning signs of dementia to look for are forgetting how to balance their checkbook or how to cook a favorite meal. Difficulty working with numbers is one of the common symptoms of Alzheimer’s.
3. Confusion over time and location. Forgetting an address is one thing. However, not knowing where you are or how you got there is something else. If this happens to your parents or they are frequently confused about the time of day, month, or season, you should have them checked right away.
4. Trouble communicating. One of the symptoms of dementia and Alzheimer’s is trouble communicating. For example, they will forget what they are talking about in the middle of a sentence. In addition, they may often repeat themselves, or mix up words without realizing it. 
5. Changes in mood and personality. Symptoms of Alzheimer’s include changes in their moods for seemingly no reason. Seniors can become confused, anxious, or fearful if they are not in a familiar area. They may also forget where they are or what they are doing. 

Baptist Retirement Community: Support for Seniors with Symptoms of Alzheimer’s or Dementia

At Baptist Retirement Community, we know how difficult it can be to care for seniors with increasing symptoms of dementia or Alzheimer’s. Our team of medical professionals and certified therapists use proven methods for improving cognitive function. We also provide plenty of fun activities and social gatherings in a safe and secure facility. 

If your aging parents or loved ones are showing signs of Alzheimer’s or dementia, call 325.313.7931 today to see how our senior memory care program can help.