How to Determine if a Loved One Has Alzheimer’s

When you are trying to determine if a loved one has Alzheimer’s, this is something that is quite serious and may cause you concern. Some of the symptoms of the disease could occur in those that are simply aging. Keep reading for information on how to spot Alzheimer’s in someone you love.

The Aging Process

When individuals get older, there are many changes that may take place throughout their body. One of them is that their memory might not be as sharp as it used to be. This isn’t necessarily something to worry about. The neurons in their brain may be slower or they might not have as many as they used to.

Being forgetful is much different than the memory loss that a person will experience when they have Alzheimer’s, however. Instead of just forgetting things, they may not be able to think clearly. This is when you likely need to be concerned about a loved one.

For more information on Alzheimer’s Disease, you can check out this site: https://www.notiactual.com/is-it-normal-aging-or-alzheimers-disease. It may provide details that you want to know.

Other Symptoms to Consider

In addition to memory loss, there are a number of other symptoms that may be expressed when an individual has Alzheimer’s.

• Changes in behavior
• Being unable to make decisions
• Not speaking properly
• Inability to take care of daily tasks and chores
• Acting nervous
• Being argumentative
• Asking the same question numerous times
• Walking around aimlessly

When you note one or more of these symptoms in someone you care about, it may be time to make an appointment with a doctor. This will allow your loved one to become properly diagnosed, so treatment can begin promptly. While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, the sooner the condition is treated, the more comfortable life a person may have.

While it might be difficult for you to notice these symptoms in the early stages of the disease, once you do, you must get help. This is especially true if you don’t live with the individual.

A doctor will be able to tell you what changes need to be made in their routine, the type of in-home support they need, and anything else you are curious about. If you are someone that is responsible for their care, you may want to make a list of questions ahead of time before you meet with the doctor. This way you will be able to find out all the major points that you were concerned about.

In some instances, a person could experience these symptoms and not have Alzheimer’s. They might have another mental health condition or dementia. This is why it is necessary to get checked out as soon as possible.

After the Diagnosis

If your relative or friend has been checked out and they have Alzheimer’s, there may still be so much to do. Whether you are going to be their caregiver or not, it is a good idea to read up on the condition to find out what the latest research says. This can give you a better indication of how you should interact with them, what might help them, and what the prognosis will be.

Once diagnosis happens, it may seem like care needs to happen right away. This could require a full-time caregiver, as well as other changes in their daily life. While this may not be what they want, it is necessary to explain what is happening to them. For instance, if they will be unable to go to work or use power tools, you should explain this to your loved one.

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As this disease progresses, symptoms become more advanced, and others may show up as well. This can be devastating for loved ones, which is why you should consider taking care of your health as well. Those that have family members that experience Alzheimer’s may become depressed or need mental health support. Be sure to reach out to a therapist if you feel like you could benefit from therapy.

Conclusion

Alzheimer’s Disease is a serious condition to which there is no cure. The person experiencing it may have many symptoms that are troubling, and they will likely go well beyond normal aging. Anytime you aren’t sure whether a loved one has Alzheimer’s or is just experiencing issues with their memory, you should take them to the doctor. This will allow for quick intervention, regardless of the condition.

The post is developed in partnership with BetterHelp.