Recognizing the Early Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s and When Memory Care May Be Needed

Early detection and intervention is usually the key to a successful outcome, especially in terms of Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and other memory care issues. But that’s easier said than done. 

The brain often conceals these problems, so individuals may not see the warning signs of Alzheimer’s in their own lives. Furthermore, if they do acknowledge it to themselves, they may not admit they have a problem to others. So, the task of recognizing the signs of memory care issues often falls to the friends and family members of senior adults.

Memory Loss that Affects Daily Life

Most people use smartphone calendars and other tools to record one-time events, such as choir concerts or football games. If people use such tools for everyday reminders, such as taking medicine or doing the laundry, memory care may be an issue.

Short term memory issues are often troubling as well. One of the most common signs of Alzheimer’s disease, especially in the early stage, is forgetting recently learned information, or forgetting it then remembering it later.

Other possible red flags include forgetting important dates or events or repeatedly asking the same questions. People who have these and other issues aren’t necessarily ready for memory care communities, but their possible needs shouldn’t be ignored.

Challenges in Planning or Solving Problems

Pattern problem-solving is part of life. We start with step one and proceed to step two, step three, and so on. Examples include connecting a new pair of earbuds, following a recipe, tracking monthly bill payments, and reading a menu.

People with early-stage memory issues often have problems working through the steps. They get stuck on step one, skip to step three, or have general difficulty concentrating.

Many memory care communities often use mealtime to spot early-stage memory issues. For example, during meals, we occasionally ask residents to recite the menu from top to bottom. 

Issues Completing Familiar Tasks 

We use patterns to solve problems, and we are creatures of habit. Most people do basically the same things every day.

People living with memory changes from Alzheimer’s or other dementia often have issues in this area. Sometimes they may have trouble driving to a familiar location, organizing a grocery list, or remembering the rules of a favorite game.

If you notice that a loved one is unable to complete familiar tasks, like starting the microwave, share your concern with a memory care professional.

Time/Place Confusion and Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s​

This symptom may be the classic memory care issue symptom. Sometimes, dementia and other issues are like a disorienting fog that clouds the senses.

People living with Alzheimer’s or other dementia often lose track of dates, seasons, and the passage of time. Other times, they may forget where they are or how they got there, and reorient themselves later.

Once again, a time/place confusion incident, or even several such incidents, may be nothing. But then again, it may be something. Trained professionals know the difference between something and nothing.

Challenges Understanding Visual Images and Spatial Relationships

Many people do not equate sensory and processing issues with memory issues, but many times, there’s a connection. Frequently, one issue contributes to another one. For example, cataracts cause vision changes that strain minds.

Some assisted living residents dealing with early-stage Alzheimer’s or other dementia could experience vision changes. This may lead to difficulty with balance or trouble reading. They may also have problems judging distance and determining color or contrast, causing issues with driving.

Communications Warning Signs for Alzheimer’s Disease

Unusually slow processing speeds is another classic memory care issue symptom. People living with Alzheimer’s or other dementia 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 trouble naming a familiar object or use the wrong name (e.g. calling a “watch” a “hand-clock”).

Misplacing Items and Having Trouble Finding Them

This issue often harkens back to the habits issues discussed above. If Tom suddenly stops putting his keys on the key rack, he’s more likely to lose them.

The second portion of this issue is not so much an inability to find keys, but an inability to formulate a plan to find the keys. Tom cannot retrace his steps and remember that he used his keys to open the door. As Tom’s condition deteriorates, he may accuse someone of stealing his keys if he cannot find them.

Choose Bristol Park at Cleburne for Your Loved One’s Memory Care Needs

The Bristol Park at Cleburne Assisted Living & Memory Care Community welcomes residents with assisted living and memory care needs by offering services for residents with early memory care issues. As our community focuses on these needs, we quickly recognize the subtle early warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease and plan an appropriate response.

To learn more about the warm, welcoming, comfortable, and safe living environment at Bristol Park, schedule a tour today.