10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer's and Dementia

TYPICAL AGE RELATED CHANGES SIGNS OF ALZHEIMERS / DEMENTIA
Sometimes forgetting names or appointments,
but remember them later.		 1. Memory loss that distrupts daily life.
One of the most common signs of Alzheimer's especially in the early stages is forgetting recently learned information. Others include forgetting important dates or events; asking for the same information over and over, relying on memory aids or family members for things they used to handle on their own.
Making occasional errors when balancing a checkbook.
Miss a monthly payment. 		2. Challenges in planning or solving problems.
Some people may experience changes in their ability to develop and follow a plan or work with numbers. They may have trouble following a familiar recipe or keeping track of monthly bills. They may have difficulty in concentrating and take much longer to do things than they did before.
Occasionaly needing help to use settings on a microwave or
to record a television show.		 3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, work or at leisure.
People with Alzheimer's often find it hard to complete daily tasks. Sometimes, people may have trouble driving to a familiar location, managing a budget at work or remembering the rules of a favourite game.
Forgetting which day it is but remembering later. 4.Confusion with time or place.
People with Alzheimer's can lose track of dates, seasons and the passage of time. They may have trouble understanding something if it is not happening immediately. Sometimes they may forget where they are or how they got there.
Vision changes related to cataracts. 5. Trouble understanding visual images.
For some people having vision problems is a sign of Alzheimer's. They may havedifficulty reading, judging distance and determining colour or contrast. In terms of perception, they pass pass a mirror and think someone else is in the room. They may not recognize their own reflection.
Sometimes forgetting which word to use. 6. New problems with words in speaking or writing.
People with Alzheimer's may have trouble following or joining a conversation. They may stop in the middle of a conversation and have no idea how to continue or they may repeat themselves. They may struggle with vocabulary, have problems finding the right word or call things by the wrong name. (e.g. Calling)
Misplacing things from time to time, such as a pair of glasses
or the remote control.		 7. Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps.
A person with Alzheimer's may put things in unusual places. They may lose things and be unable to go back over their steps to find them again. Sometimes, they may accuse others of stealing. This may occur more frequently over time.
Making a bad decision once in a while. 8. Decreased or poor judgement
People with Alzheimer's may experience changes in judgement or decision making. For example, they may use poor judgement with dealing with money, giving large amounts away and having no account of how it was spent. They may less attention to grooming or keeping themselves clean.
Sometimes feeling weary of work, family and social obligations. 9. Withdrawal from work or social activities.
A person with Alzheimer's may start to remove themselves from hobbies, social activities, work projects or sports. They may have trouble keeping up with a favourite sports team or remembering how to complete a favourite hobby. They may also avoid being social because of the changes they have experienced.
Developing very specific ways of doing things and becoming
irritable when a routine is disrupted.		 10. Changes in mood and personality
The mood and personalities of people with Alzheimer's can change. They can become confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful or anxious. They may be easily upset at home, at work, with friends or in places where they are out of their comfort zone.