Share:

Watching a loved one struggle with the effects of aging is never easy. But when a family member exhibits signs of a serious condition such as Alzheimer’s, it can be heartbreaking. Fortunately, home health care providers can help make your loved one’s life much more pleasant and comfortable, whether they’re in early or advanced stages of dementia. The home elderly care team at Lifetime Care in Rochester, NY, is here to explain four early signs of Alzheimer’s to watch out for. 

Home Health Care Providers Share 4 Early Signs of Alzheimer’s 

1. Struggling With Familiar Tasks

If your loved one can’t remember the directions to a place they go to regularly or has forgotten how to pay bills or the recipe to their go-to dish, it may be an early sign of Alzheimer’s. Occasional bouts of forgetfulness may be nothing to worry about, but if the lapses occur often, it’s time to see a doctor. You may also notice your loved one struggles to focus on tasks, which can affect their ability to care for themselves. At this point, it may be necessary to hire a home health care provider to ensure they are safe and cared for. 

2. Changes in Mood or Personality

homehealthcareproviderPeople with dementia may exhibit poor judgment or changes in their mood or personality. They might behave in ways highly uncharacteristic of them, such as spending money lavishly when they were once frugal, or being impulsive when they were once cautious. They may also withdraw from social situations when once they were warm and amiable. 

3. Forgetting the Date

Everyone forgets the date once in awhile, but if you notice your loved one regularly gets the month, season, or year wrong, it may indicate the onset of dementia. Time, an abstract concept, becomes difficult to grasp, and forgetting the current time or reverting to the past is a common symptom of Alzheimer’s. 

4. Vision Loss

While vision can decrease as a natural effect of aging, if you notice this in conjunction with other symptoms, it’s worth notifying a doctor. Many people affected by Alzheimer’s-related vision loss can no longer judge distances accurately or have difficulty distinguishing between colors. They may also have trouble reading. 

If your loved one is exhibiting these or other signs of Alzheimer’s, contact your doctor or a home health care provider to discuss treatment options. If you’re in New York’s Finger Lakes region, turn to the compassionate home aides at Lifetime Care. Call (585) 214-1000 to speak with a helpful staff member or visit the website to learn more about their services. 

tracking