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April 27, 2016

When It’s Alzheimer’s and When It Isn’t

Alzheimer's care PhoenixPerhaps you’ve begun to notice some subtle changes in Mom: She’s misplacing her reading glasses more often. She’s called you by your sister’s name several times. Once, she even left the stove on after fixing dinner, and didn’t notice until she began cleaning up the kitchen afterwards. Signs like these are concerning, and it can be natural to assume the worst – that Mom’s in the beginning stages of Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia.

Thankfully, memory lapses do NOT always equal Alzheimer’s. In fact, according to Richard W. Besdine, M.D., Medical Officer with the American Federation for Aging Research, “Forgetfulness is seldom an early sign of dementia or Alzheimer’s.” The following facts can help to further clarify the red flags that may indicate a potential for dementia, and those that likely do not:

Symptoms That Are Not Typical of Alzheimer’s

  1. Temporary forgetfulness of names or other words
  2. Sudden, acute symptoms (since Alzheimer’s progresses gradually)
  3. Feeling concerned about potential memory loss
  4. Occasionally misplacing commonly used items, such as the TV remote or car keys

Potential Dementia Warning Signs

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  1. Short-term memory loss (forgetting recently learned information or entire events), and being unaware that there’s a problem
  2. Looking into a mirror and not recognizing the reflection as yourself
  3. Withdrawing socially and other significant personality changes
  4. Struggling with making decisions, using good judgment, and problem-solving
  5. Confusion about time and place
  6. Repetition for no apparent reason
  7. An increase in making mistakes, particularly in financial or other major issues

It’s always best to check with the physician with any concerns, regardless of how minor or insignificant they may seem. While there are a variety of tests to help confirm or refute the onset of Alzheimer’s disease, these tests can be costly and treatment options, if it is Alzheimer’s, are limited. The U.S. Preventative Services Task Force takes into consideration a number of factors before recommending testing for Alzheimer’s, including whether or not there are active symptoms in place, if the person is over age 75 (when an Alzheimer’s diagnosis is much more likely), and if there’s a genetic predisposition to the disease.

Whether you’re struggling with how to help someone with Alzheimer’s disease or any other condition of aging, Valley of the Sun Homecare can help! We’d be glad to share some Alzheimer’s caregiver tips to make life more manageable for both you and your senior loved one. We also provide a full range of in home care for the elderly, including meal preparation, light housekeeping, grooming and bathing, as well as specialized dementia care, live-in care and 24-hour care. Contact us at 480-264-5252 with any questions about our Scottsdale, AZ dementia care services or to arrange for a complimentary in-home care assessment.