60,000 residents of San Diego and Imperial County battle Alzheimer’s disease, according to a recent article in The San Diego Union Tribune. Perhaps you are concerned that your loved one might be suffering from this tragic degenerative disease. But how can you tell? Should you be worried if your loved one is starting to get a little forgetful, or is it normal for older adults to experience some memory loss? The article’s author provided a useful comparison between common Alzheimer’s symptoms and what can be considered normal for an aging adult.
Warning Sign
- Memory loss that disrupts daily life
- Forgetting recently learned information
- Asking the same question repeatedly
- Difficulty completing familiar / previously simple tasks
- Trouble driving to a familiar location
- Trouble remembering the rules of a favorite game
- Confusion with time or place.
- Losing track of the passage of time
- Forgetting where one is or how they got there
- New problems with words while speaking or writing
- Trouble naming a familiar object
- Trouble following or joining a conversation
- Being unable to continue past mid-sentence
- Withdrawal from hobbies, social activities or other engagements
- Changes in mood and personality when out of their comfort zone
- Challenges in planning or solving problems
- Trouble following a familiar recipe or keeping track of monthly bills
- Difficulty concentrating or taking twice the time to complete familiar tasks
- Decreased or poor judgment
- Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships
- Frequently putting things in unusual places
- Losing the ability to retrace steps
- Accusing others of stealing
- Paying less attention to grooming and cleanliness
Normal Aging
- Occasionally forgetting a name or an appointment
- Later remembering what was forgotten
- Needing reminders about how to use technology
- Temporarily forgetting the day of the week
- Occasionally having trouble finding the right word
- Occasionally feeling uninterested in family or social obligations
- Irritability when a daily routine is disrupted
- Making occasional errors when managing finances or household bills
There are over 150 memory care homes in San Diego and Orange County that focus on providing care for those with Dementia or Alzheimer’s symptoms. If your loved one could benefit from the assistance provided in one of these facilities, please give us a call at: (619) 660-8814. We can help you find the one that best fits your needs and budget.