It’s normal to forget things occasionally, but when you start forgetting important details regularly, it might be time to consider the possibility that it could be the early stages of Alzheimer’s. This is because early-stage Alzheimer’s is typically characterized by mild memory loss and bouts of confusion.
The early stages of Alzheimer’s are often subtle and gradual, so it can be hard to tell if you or someone you love is developing the disease. This is why early diagnosis is critical to getting the best possible treatment. If you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor or reach out to our team of memory care professionals.
At Calder Woods, we specialize in providing the specialized and uniquely tailored senior memory care services that people in any stage of Alzheimer’s need to continue living a dignified, high-quality life. For more information, contact our team today at 409.407.7636.
The Early Stages of Alzheimer’s
The early stages of Alzheimer’s disease can often be challenging to spot, but understanding the early warning signs and their progression can help diagnose the condition early. The most common early symptoms of Alzheimer’s are memory loss and confusion. However, there are often other changes in behavior, such as:
- Difficulty completing familiar tasks
- Changes in mood and personality
- Difficulty expressing oneself
Memory loss is one of the first warning signs that something is wrong and is typically noticed by family members rather than the individuals themselves. Memory difficulties typically start with forgetting recent events or asking for information multiple times. As the disease progresses, more severe memory problems may arise, such as forgetting the names of close friends and family.
Confusion is another early symptom of Alzheimer’s, which typically begins when a person has difficulty staying focused or paying attention to tasks. They may also forget what they have just said or struggle to recall information they have just heard. As time passes, they may become disoriented and confused and fail to understand where they are, what they are doing, and, in severe cases, who they are.
Early-Stage Alzheimer’s Symptoms
Outside of memory loss and confusion, which are well-known indicators, other symptoms can appear in the early stages of Alzheimer’s. These include the following:
- Difficulty with problem-solving or planning – Individuals in the early stage of Alzheimer’s may struggle with developing and following a plan or working with numbers. They could have difficulty following a familiar recipe or keeping track of monthly bills.
- Difficulty with spatial relationships – Some people may experience problems with vision, understanding distance, and determining color or contrast. Such difficulties can also cause problems with driving.
- Misplacing items – A person with Alzheimer’s might put things in unusual places. They could lose things and be unable to retrace their steps to find them again.
- Changes in mood or personality – They may become confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful, or anxious. They may be easily upset at home, with friends, or when out of their comfort zone.
- Withdrawal from work or social activities – People with early-stage Alzheimer’s may begin to withdraw from hobbies, social activities, work projects, or sports. They might experience difficulty keeping up with a favorite sports team or remembering how to complete a favorite hobby. They may also avoid social interactions because of the changes they’ve experienced.
It is crucial for families to pay attention to any changes in behavior to diagnose Alzheimer’s early on so that proper management measures can be taken before it becomes a severe problem. Early detection allows individuals living with Alzheimer’s an opportunity to take advantage of available treatments, leading them down a path toward better health outcomes over time. It also provides families with time to understand the disease process so they can better plan ahead by making decisions about future care options prior to more advanced stages of dementia setting in.
Helping to Identify Early-Stage Alzheimer’s At Calder Woods
The early stages of Alzheimer’s can be challenging to deal with both for the person who is experiencing the symptoms and for their loved ones. Often, people in the early stages of Alzheimer’s will experience memory loss and confusion. Working with a professional memory care residential home as soon as possible is essential so that you or your loved one can get the support they need.
At Calder Woods, our team of memory care professionals understands how to care for elderly individuals who are struggling with the onset of Alzheimer’s. Our evidence-based process and compassionate attitude enable us to help improve the quality of life and ensure a safe and comfortable experience for your loved ones. For more information, reach out to our team of experts today at 409.407.7636 or contact us online.