As we age, it’s common to experience some issues with memory, thinking and behavior. However, changes that interfere with daily life could be a sign of something more serious, such as dementia. The Alzheimer’s Association has outlined 10 warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease, a form of dementia. If you notice more than one of these warning signs in a loved one, it can be difficult to know what to do. At Regency, we’re here to help you make the best decision.
Memory Loss That Disrupts Daily Life
Forgetting recently learned information, important dates or events, asking the same questions repeatedly and/or needing to rely on others for things they used to handle on their own
Challenges in Planning or Solving Problems
Changes in the ability to develop and follow a plan or work with numbers and/or trouble following a familiar recipe or keeping track of monthly bills
Difficulty Completing Familiar Tasks
Trouble completing routine tasks or driving to a familiar location, problems organizing a grocery list and/or difficulty remembering the rules of a favorite game
Confusion with Time or Place
Losing track of dates, seasons and the passage of time, trouble understanding something if it is not happening immediately and/or forgetting where they are or how they got there
Trouble Recognizing Images & Spacial Relationships
Vision problems, difficulty with balance, problems judging distance and/or determining color or contrast
New Problems with Words in Speaking or Writing
Challenges following or joining a conversation, repeating themselves often and/or struggling with vocabulary and naming a familiar object
Misplacing Things and Unable to Retrace Steps
Placing things in unusual place, losing items and/or accusing others of stealing, especially as the disease progresses
Decreased or Poor Judgment
Changes in judgment or decision-making, especially with money and/or paying less attention to bathing and grooming
Withdrawal From Work or Social Activities
Withdraw from hobbies, social activities or other engagements and/or trouble keeping up with a favorite team or activity
Changes in Mood and Personality
Mood and personality changes and increased confusion, suspicion, depression, fear and anxiety
