5 Warning Signs of Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease brings a specific set of memory loss elements, making it different from other types of memory loss.  Alzheimer's disease also progresses in different ways for each person.  Seniors who believe they may be developing some memory loss should first obtain a diagnosis of the type of memory loss, in order to obtain the best care.  

Medications are now available to slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease.  Clinical trials are being conducted currently to test new medications for Alzheimer's disease and a senior who has an official diagnosis may be a candidate for a free clinical trial.

5 Warning Signs of Alzheimer's Disease

1. Memory loss which disrupts daily activities of living such as forgetting important dates, events and recently learned information or repeating information or asking the same questions over and over.

2. Planning and problem solving challenges.  Common examples are taking a long time to complete familliar, simple tasks such as paying bills, purchasing groceries or doing laundry.  Forgetting to pay bills and forgetting events or appointments can be a first indicator of memory loss.

3. Familiar tasks become unfamiliar.  Driving or finding phone numbers or operating a lawn mower or retrieving the mail or other routine tasks suddenly become confusing and difficult.  

4. Confusion about time, person and place.  Losing tack of the passage of time and confusing people and places is a sign of Alzheimer's disease.

5.  Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships.  Difficulty reading, judging distance, determining colors or contrasts and confusion as to what is reflected in a mirror may affect some people with Alzheimer's disease.

As Alzheimer's disease is often called "the long good-bye", it is helpful to diagnose the disease early.  The next step is planning senior care while the person with Alzheimer's disease is able to be included in the plan.  Remember that former President Ronald Reagan had caregiving services for at least a decade, after being diagnosed with the disease.  Medicaid, for very low-income seniors does pay for nursing home care ongoing but everyone else must pay for their own long-term care needs with private funds.