Conditions that cause dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease, don’t usually show up suddenly. There are warning signs in the early stages of the disease that caregivers and family members should watch for. The earlier your loved one is diagnosed, the sooner you can start elderly care to slow down the progression of the condition. Watch for these signs it’s time to talk to a doctor.

How to Identify the Early Stages of Alzheimer’s

1. Forgetfulness

Memory loss is a well-known symptom of Alzheimer’s, but in the early stages, it manifests in small ways that are easy to overlook. Your loved one is likely to misplace items more often, such as keys, glasses, phones, wallets, and other small objects.

They might also ask the same question multiple times, either because they have forgotten what’s happening or because they’re worried about forgetting. For example, they might ask about the day’s plans or events in your life, even though you were just talking about those topics.

2. Difficulty With Everyday Tasks

Memory loss doesn’t just affect memories and past events. It also affects your loved one’s knowledge about how to do tasks they have done many times before.

They might struggle when handling money, forget favorite recipes, have trouble operating household appliances, or get lost in familiar places. They might also need more prompting from caregivers in these situations.

3. Mood & Personality Changes

Alzheimer’s disease can affect the mood in two ways. It directly interferes with brain function, so your loved one’s thinking is different than before. They may become more aggressive or less self-motivated.

At the same time, these changes can be frightening, and your loved one may experience stress, anxiety, and depression as a result. You or a caregiver might notice that they seem sadder, more irritable, or more impulsive than they used to.

If you’ve noticed your loved one showing signs of Alzheimer’s, a caregiver from Deer Valley Home Health Services in Berkeley, MO, will help. They have served the St. Louis metro area for 15 years and will meet with you to evaluate your loved one’s special needs and come up with an elderly care plan which may include home health care, companionship, and daily caregiving services. Since their opening in 2005, they have expanded to serve over 1,000 clients, each with their own tailored services. Call (314) 355-3679 or visit their website to learn more about their services.