Not so long ago, I used to worry about such things as what I’d wear to work the next day or if anyone would notice I was getting gray hair.
Nowadays, I worry about Alzheimer’s and if my forgetfulness is one of the signs I should be aware of.
Through the past 20 years or more, I’ve watched as some relatives and friends have started acting differently, and eventually I’d find out they were in a nursing home and had Alzheimer’s. As “strange things” happen to people I know, the question pops up in my mind: Is it Alzheimer’s or just dementia – and what is the difference, anyway.
No doubt many readers either have dealt with this issue or are dealing with it now, as they care for someone close to them. This morning I decided to check out the Maine Alzheimer’s Association Web site (www.alz.org) and see what I could find out. Am I just routinely a victim of old age and forgetfulness, or a candidate for Alzheimer’s? If you are as curious as I am – and worried, too – talk with your health care provider or one of the many support groups there are now, which focus on dementia and Alzheimer’s.
Here are the 10 signs, as listed on the Web site:
• Memory changes that disrupt daily life. One of the most common signs of Alzheimer’s, especially in the early stages, is forgetting recently learned information. Others include forgetting important dates or events; asking for the same information over and over; relying on memory aides (e.g., reminder notes or electronic devices) or family members for things they used to handle on their own. What’s typical? Sometimes forgetting names or appointments, but remembering them later.
• Challenges in planning or solving problems. Some people may experience changes in their ability to develop and follow a plan or work with numbers. They may have trouble following a familiar recipe or keeping track of monthly bills. They may have difficulty concentrating and take much longer to do things than they did before. What’s typical? Making occasional errors when balancing a checkbook.
• Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work or at leisure. People with Alzheimer’s often find it hard to complete daily tasks. Sometimes, people may have trouble driving to a familiar location, managing a budget at work or remembering the rules of a favorite game. What’s typical? Occasionally needing help to use the settings on a microwave or to record a television show.
• Confusion with time or place. People with Alzheimer’s can lose track of dates, seasons and the passage of time. They may have trouble understanding something if it is not happening immediately. Sometimes they may forget where they are or how they got there. What’s typical? Getting confused about the day of the week but figuring it out later.
• Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships. For some people, having vision problems is a sign of Alzheimer’s. They may have difficulty reading, judging distance and determining color or contrast. In terms of perception, they may pass a mirror and think someone else is in the room. They may not realize they are the person in the mirror. What’s typical? Vision changes related to cataracts.
• New problems with words in speaking or writing. People with Alzheimer’s 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 problems finding the right word or call things by the wrong name (e.g., calling a “watch” a “hand-clock”). What’s typical? Sometimes having trouble finding the right word.
• Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps. A person with Alzheimer’s disease may put things in unusual places. They may lose things and be unable to go back over their steps to find them again. Sometimes, they may accuse others of stealing. This may occur more frequently over time.
What’s typical? Misplacing things from time to time, such as a pair of glasses or the remote control.
• Decreased or poor judgment. People with Alzheimer’s may experience changes in judgment or decision-making. For example, they may use poor judgment when dealing with money, giving large amounts to telemarketers. They may pay less attention to grooming or keeping themselves clean.
What’s typical? Making a bad decision once in a while.
• Withdrawal from work or social activities. A person with Alzheimer’s may start to remove themselves from hobbies, social activities, work projects or sports. They may have trouble keeping up with a favorite sports team or remembering how to complete a favorite hobby. They may also avoid being social because of the changes they have experienced. What’s typical? Sometimes feeling weary of work, family and social obligations.
• Changes in mood and personality. The mood and personalities of people with Alzheimer’s can change. They can become confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful or anxious. They may be easily upset at home, at work, with friends or in places where they are out of their comfort zone. What’s typical? Developing very specific ways of doing things and becoming irritable when a routine is disrupted.
In future columns, we’ll try and introduce readers to sources of information available in their communities and would welcome any input from readers as to personal experiences. This is a big health issue which will affect us all in one way or another. Comments from readers are especially welcomed.
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