4 Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease to Watch Out For

Alzheimer’s disease can be incredibly difficult for those diagnosed and their family and friends. Although a diagnosis doesn’t mean that their life will stand still or even take a turn for the worse quickly, it is still important to be mindful of how this condition can and likely will affect you at a later stage. The sooner you can get a diagnosis, the better, as this will give you and your family time to adjust and prepare for the later stages of the disease. Whether you are worried about your health or that of a loved one, here are four signs of Alzheimer’s disease to watch out for.

Mood Swings

A lot of things can cause mood swings, such as hormonal changes or other mental health issues. However, they can also be a sign of Alzheimer’s. Feelings of confusion and frustration at this often cause these. It can also be due to the patient being unable to communicate properly what it is that is bothering them, such as feeling uncomfortable, being in pain, hungry, or bored. 

Memory Loss

One of the most recognized signs of Alzheimer’s disease is memory loss. Many people might occasionally experience forgetfulness, even if they are in perfect cognitive health. However, if you have noticed that you or your loved one has begun to forget things often, particularly important information, or they are unable to recognize people who are familiar to them, this is a red flag. If this is happening, see a specialist as soon as possible to rule out anything else and get a diagnosis.

Difficulty Keeping Up with Conversations

This might be due to forgetting what is being discussed, but it might also be because they are unable to understand what you’re saying. As Alzheimer’s does harm people’s cognitive functions, their thinking skills and other mental capacities will be affected, which can make it difficult for them to follow conversations or understand what is happening around them. 

Forgetting How to Do Basic Tasks

Another thing you may notice in Alzheimer’s patients is that they begin to struggle with basic tasks that are a frequent part of their daily routine. This might be buttoning up their shirt, making a cup of tea, cooking food, or even washing dishes, as a few examples. Again, this is due to their cognitive functions being impacted by the disease, and they have likely forgotten how to do these things. 

What Should You Do?

If you do notice one or more of these symptoms, it is best to make an appointment to see a doctor and specialist as soon as possible. If you or your loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, then you might want to start thinking about future Alzheimer’s care options for when the condition progresses and living independently is no longer an option. You might also want to look into joining a support group for carers or those who suffer from Alzheimer’s to help you feel like you have a network of people who understand your circumstances and can help you through difficult times.

Alzheimer’s disease can be very distressing, but there are a lot of support and care options available to help you navigate your way through it, whether you have had a personal diagnosis or are caring for someone who has it.