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Written by words
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INTRO: Estimates are, Alzheimer’s is already affecting over five million people in the United States alone with untold numbers around the world. We also know that as populations age, the likelihood of some form of dementia will manifest itself. You can be helpful by spotting critical changes in the people you love and urging them to seek help from a qualified physician.
STEP 1. One of the earliest and most common signs of oncoming Alzheimer’s is an inability to retain information. I’m a person who always has to put car keys back in her purse so I know where they are, but Alzheimer’s or dementia isn’t like that sort of forgetfulness. An Alzheimer’s victim will lose recently obtained information. For example, you might tell your partner about a dinner invitation for that evening while you’re eating breakfast only to find he or she doesn’t remember anything about the conversation by the time you’re finishing your coffee. Someone with Alzheimer’s can ask for the same information several times without realizing they’ve already received it.
STEP 2. You can see where the struggle to retain information can make it hard to plan and it does. Someone with Alzheimer’s will find it extremely difficult to either develop a plan in order to accomplish a task or follow another person’s plan because they have trouble remembering what they’ve already done, so they can’t coordinate it with what’s coming up.
STEP 3. Regular tasks that were done for years can be forgotten with unforeseen consequences. Utilities might get shut off because the person has simply forgotten to pay bills or they might get lost taking a drive in what was once familiar territory. They might dress inappropriately for the weather because they’ve forgotten what season it is or what time of day or sit down for a nice evening with friends only to realize they don’t remember how to play a favorite card game.
STEP 4. Most of us notice a deterioration in our vision as we age, but with Alzheimer’s visual changes can include a loss of spatial relationships so it becomes impossible to parallel park a car because you can’t judge distances. Vision loss could also include an inability to distinguish between colors.
STEP 5. When I misplace something I try to retrace my steps to see where I could have left it, but someone with Alzheimer’s has trouble remembering what they just did and that could make it impossible to locate an item. Or, they might put things in inappropriate places without realizing and have no idea. The TV remote could end up in the oven and you might only find that out when you preheat the oven and smell melting plastic.
STEP 6. For someone with Alzheimer’s, the inability to remember will extend to their vocabulary and that will make conversation difficult as well. It’s possible the person could get angry as they try to express themselves on a topic they once knew, but now can’t recall dates or outstanding aspects or just what the best descriptive word is which they can no longer recall.
STEP 7. Eventually, the inability to retain information will result in poor judgment. One tell tale sign is a deterioration in a person’s appearance who otherwise always looked very sharp. Even more important, however, poor judgment could mean making financial mistakes that could be costly. If you have a close friend or relative who displays these signs, their health care could be in your hands. Urge the person to consult a doctor about running tests, as soon as possible.
TIPS: It’s hard for anyone to admit they’re having mental problems. If you have spotted these indicators be sure lend your support to the person whatever the outcome.
WARNINGS: Don’t put off dealing with this issue however difficult it might be. The consequences will only grow.
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Health 
