June marks Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, a time to illuminate the signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia forms. “Knowledge is the first step to compassion. When we understand, we can truly help.” stated Nathan Kirschenbaum, the author. This article highlights early indicators of Alzheimer’s, distinguishing them from normal age-related changes, and explores helpful resources for families and caregivers.
Recognizing the Early Warning Signs of Dementia
Dementia is a complex condition that affects many aspects of life. Identifying its early signs can lead to timely diagnosis and better management of the illness. Below are the ten early signs of dementia, along with examples of typical age-related changes for comparison.
1. Memory Loss That Disrupts Daily Life
What to look for: Forgetting recently learned information, important dates, or events. Repeatedly asking for the same information and relying heavily on memory aids or others for tasks they used to manage independently.
What’s a typical age-related change? Occasionally forgetting names or appointments but remembering them later.
2. Challenges in Planning or Solving Problems
What to look for: Difficulty following familiar recipes or keeping track of bills. Trouble concentrating and taking much longer to complete tasks.
What’s a typical age-related change? Making occasional errors when balancing a checkbook.
3. Difficulty Completing Familiar Tasks
What to look for: Struggling with daily tasks such as driving to a familiar location, managing a budget, or remembering the rules of a favorite game.
What’s a typical age-related change? Needing occasional help with setting up technology or programming a device.
4. Confusion with Time or Place
What to look for: Losing track of dates, seasons, and the passage of time. Forgetting where they are or how they got there.
What’s a typical age-related change? Getting confused about the day of the week but figuring it out later.
5. Trouble Understanding Visual Images and Spatial Relationships
What to look for: Difficulty reading, judging distance, or determining color contrasts. These problems may create issues with driving.
What’s a typical age-related change? Vision changes due to cataracts or other age-related conditions.
6. New Problems with Words in Speaking or Writing
What to look for: Struggling to join or follow a conversation. Stopping mid-sentence without knowing how to continue, or repeating themselves. Issues with vocabulary, such as calling familiar objects by the wrong name.
What’s a typical age-related change? Occasionally forgetting the right word to use.
7. Misplacing Things and Losing the Ability to Retrace Steps
What to look for: Putting items in unusual places and being unable to find them. Accusing others of stealing as the condition progresses.
What’s a typical age-related change? Misplacing items like keys or glasses but finding them after retracing steps.
8. Decreased or Poor Judgment
What to look for: Making poor financial decisions, such as giving away large sums of money. Neglecting personal hygiene and grooming.
What’s a typical age-related change? Making a bad decision once in a while.
9. Withdrawal from Work or Social Activities
What to look for: Losing interest in hobbies, social activities, or other engagements. Having trouble keeping up with favorite teams or activities.
What’s a typical age-related change? Sometimes feeling uninterested in family or social obligations.
10. Changes in Mood and Personality
What to look for: Becoming confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful, or anxious. Easily upset at home, with friends, or in unfamiliar environments.
What’s a typical age-related change? Developing specific routines and becoming irritable when those routines are disrupted.
Resources and Support
As Alzheimer’s Awareness Month brings these discussions to the forefront, it’s essential to know where to turn for support. The Alzheimer’s Association remains a cornerstone of help, offering resources like a 24/7 Helpline (800-272-3900) and a comprehensive website filled with guidance for caregivers, families, and individuals navigating dementia. Visit them at ALZ.org
“Alzheimer’s doesn’t just affect the individual; it affects entire families,” Nathan reminds us. “The support networks are there to make the journey manageable, and most importantly, to ensure no one walks the path alone.”
June: A Call to Action
Let June serve as a reminder of the importance of early recognition and understanding of Alzheimer’s disease. From anecdotal stories to research-backed evidence, the path to awareness is lined with resources and community support. By sharing information, seeking help, and spreading awareness, we can build a world more equipped to support individuals living with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers.
As we embrace Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, let’s carry the message forward: “When we understand, we can truly help.”
For further information or support, visit the Alzheimer’s Association website, ALZ.org and explore their educational resources, or connect with their Helpline for real-time guidance.