There are 10 generally recognized warning signs of Alzheimer's:
1. Memory Loss that affects job skills- Telephone numbers of business associates and appointments are forgotten more often and may not be remembered later.
2. Difficulty with familiar tasks - Increasing distraction. Food is left on the stove and is remembered at the end of the meal. Meals may be prepared but never served or the preparation is forgotten.
3.Language skills deteriorate - Simple words are forgotten. Inappropriate words are used making sentences incomprehensible.
4. Time and Place disorientation - Getting lost on one's own street. Not knowing how to get back home.
5. Poor or Impaired judgement - Forget or neglect a child left in their care. Inappropriate dress. Wearing layers of clothing (several blouses, etc.).
6. Impaired Abstract thinking - Inability to balance a checkbook. Forgetting what numbers are.
7. Misplacing items in inappropriate places. - Placing the iron in the freezer or a wristwatch in the sugar bowl.
8. Mood and Behavior changes - Drastic mood swings. Going from being tearful to being angry.
9. Changes in Personality - Increased confusion. Unusual suspicions such as thinking that the mailman is spying. Fears, such as being afraid of the dark or fearing the beloved pet.
10. Loss of Initiative or drive - Being passive rather than active. The need to be cued to become involved. Needing to be told to stand up and sing in church. Not getting out of bed or dressing unless prompted to do so.
Your loved one may exhibit any, all or none of the above warning signs. If you feel your loved one is behaving differently or is acting in a manner totally unlike their usual behavior, a visit to the doctor is warranted.
I can recall my grandmother becoming paranoid and suspicious. She believed that my great aunt was trying to steal her husband away from her. No matter how many family members tried to tell her this was not true, she firmly believed it was so. It can be frightening and very upsetting to see a loved one behave in a manner totally unlike them. My grandmother had terrible mood swings and was not the sweet happy lady she had always been.
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