Memory loss is the hallmark symptom of Alzheimer’s disease. Most people fear losing their memories as they age, and seniors with this diagnosis may sometimes even deny they have the condition at first. While Alzheimer’s disease progresses at different rates, you can help your senior loved one adapt to life with memory loss by understanding more about how it happens and what can be done to manage it.
Early Memory Loss Is Mild
Memory loss in the earliest stage of Alzheimer’s is sometimes indistinguishable from normal memory changes that occur with aging. In the beginning, your loved one may be confused by a sudden change of events or have difficulty remembering someone’s name. The main way to know if your loved one needs to be assessed for Alzheimer’s is to watch and see if the memory loss affects his or her daily routine.
Loss of Memory Isn’t Always Linear
People often think Alzheimer’s just gradually gets worse until a person completely loses all of his or her memories. However, the progression tends to have more of a back-and-forth effect. On one day, your loved one may seem perfectly fine and capable of remembering both new and old information, then the next day may leave him or her trying to remember how to tie his or her shoes. Even seniors with severe memory loss have lucid moments, and this may cause you to sometimes think your loved one is doing well enough to manage things independently.
If your loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, help is just a phone call away. There are many reasons seniors might need assistance at home. Some may require regular mental stimulation due to an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, while others might only need part-time assistance with exercise and basic household tasks. Home Care Assistance is a leading Carmichael senior care provider. Families rely on our expertly trained caregivers to help their senior loved ones maintain a high quality of life.
Memory Changes Are More than Just Mental
Memory loss doesn’t just make it difficult to accomplish mental tasks. Your loved one may also find that memory loss impacts things such as muscle memory and spatial abilities. Changes can occur in the parts of the brain that control how your loved one does things such as swallowing food and walking up stairs. Make sure to watch your loved one for physical signs of memory loss, such as suddenly forgetting how to hold a fork.
Independence Is Possible with Accommodations
As dire as some of the information you read about Alzheimer’s might seem, it helps to keep a healthy perspective. With medical advances and the understanding of the importance of early care, seniors can stay independent for many years. Being able to age in place has benefits that can help seniors retain their memories and cognitive abilities. Your loved one may need help at home, but in the early stages of Alzheimer’s, seniors can often independently perform everyday tasks, such as getting dressed and preparing a simple meal.
If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of homecare families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.
Wandering Is Preventable
The thought of your loved one wandering off is scary. However, you don’t have to fear this potential issue when you know how to plan properly. Wandering is preventable with proper supervision at your loved one’s home. Keeping your loved one busy, happy, and socially stimulated is often the best way to prevent wandering.
Without the right assistance, Alzheimer’s can be challenging for seniors and their families to manage. If you’re looking for professional Alzheimer’s care, Carmichael Home Care Assistance provides high-quality care aging adults and their families can count on. All of our hourly and live-in caregivers are trained to help seniors with Alzheimer’s live happier and healthier lives, and we also provide specialized dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care. Schedule a free in-home consultation by giving us a call today at (916) 485-4663.