5 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease to Look Out for

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Symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease to Watch for in Toronto, ON

As adults get older, they may experience a variety of age-related challenges. However, some changes may signal the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. By recognizing the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease early, you can help your senior loved one slow cognitive decline and enjoy a high quality of life. 

1. Loss of Memory

Memory loss is one of the most common symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, and it initially impacts short-term memory. However, in time, seniors also lose long-term memory. Older adults may forget information they heard moments earlier or face difficulty recalling what they recently told someone. They may also ask the same questions over and over again and have difficulty remembering dates and times. Seniors with Alzheimer’s disease often forget past events, and they may become dependent on Post-it notes or information stored in mobile devices to trigger a memory. 

Recovering from a stroke, managing the symptoms of Alzheimer’s, and a variety of other health-related situations can make it difficult for a senior to continue living at home without someone there to help. Toronto, ON, live-in care professionals are trained to help seniors who need 24/7 assistance. With the help of a live-in caregiver, your elderly loved one can maintain a higher quality of life while aging in place.

2. Diminished Problem-Solving Skills

In the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, information received by hearing or seeing something soon loses meaning and comprehension. Even recipes used for years may now seem confusing and difficult to follow. Performing detailed tasks can become challenging and cause frustration and anxiety. Seniors may forget to pay their bills, and they may also have difficulty balancing and maintaining a checking account. Mathematical equations may no longer make sense to them. 

3. Challenges with Routine Tasks

The memory loss caused by Alzheimer’s disease can affect all aspects of an older adult’s life and impact daily activities. During the first stage of Alzheimer’s disease, seniors who drive may suddenly forget how to get to a familiar location. Using modern household appliances could become an overwhelming task if seniors no longer remember how to operate them. Cleaning the house, doing the laundry, and washing dirty dishes might go by the wayside. The ingredients needed to make meals are often forgotten and the steps required make no sense.

Seniors who find it difficult to manage daily tasks without assistance can benefit from professional in-home care. Whether your elderly loved one needs part-time assistance with basic household chores or you need a break from your caregiving duties, the Toronto respite care experts at Home Care Assistance are here to help. All of our respite care services are backed with a 100% satisfaction guarantee, there are no hidden fees in our contracts, and we never ask our clients to sign long-term contracts. 

4. Confusion About Place and Time

During the initial stages of Alzheimer’s disease, seniors may no longer recognize their home. They are likely to forget their address and the city and state they live in. If out and about unaccompanied, seniors with Alzheimer’s commonly get lost and cannot find their way home. They are also likely to lose sense of time, and they often do not know the time of day or the date.

5. Vision-Related Changes

The changes occurring in the brain can affect the way visual information is received and processed. Written words may seem jumbled or difficult to read. Seniors may lose the ability to differentiate between similar colors unless there is a great difference in contrast. Depth and spatial perception changes, and floors with varying colors may appear to have different depths. Seniors may have difficulty assessing height differences, making it difficult for them to go up and down stairs of the same color.

If your loved one has been diagnosed with a serious medical condition and needs help with daily tasks, consider hiring a professional caregiver. Although it may be challenging to find a reliable, highly rated home care company, Toronto, ON, families can turn to Home Care Assistance. Our respite and live-in caregivers are expertly trained to assist seniors with a wide array of important tasks, including cooking, bathing, light housekeeping, and exercise. Whether your loved one needs minor assistance with household chores or extensive 24-hour home care, call us at (416) 488-8777 today.

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