When you think a loved one may have Alzheimer's disease
Holiday gatherings are a time when families may notice changes in a loved one. A loved one having difficulty following a family recipe or forgetting the words to a holiday song they’ve sung many times could be warning signs of Alzheimer’s. Learn more warning signs and what to do next.
10 Warning Signs
1. Memory loss
2. Difficulty performing familiar tasks
3. Problems with language
4. Disorientation to time and place
5. Poor or decreased judgment
6. Problems with abstract thinking
7. Misplacing things
8. Changes in mood or behavior
9. Changes in personality
10. Loss of initiative
Get to a doctor
If you recognize any of the warning signs in a family member, don't ignore them. See a doctor for a check up. There are other conditions, some that are treatable, that could be causing symptoms. Finding out if it's Alzheimer's is an important step to getting appropriate treatment, care and support services.
An early diagnosis of Alzheimer's allows a person to:
- Benefit from treatments that may improve symptoms and help maintain a level of independence and quality of life longer
- Have more time to plan for the future
- Increase chances of participating in clinical trials that lead to new treatments
- Participate in decisions about care, transportation, living options, financial and legal matters
- Develop a relationship with doctors and care partners
- Benefit from care and support services, making it easier for them and family to manage the disease
Get more information
Learn more about Alzheimer treatments, progression and how it affects the brain in the About Alzheimer's Disease section. You can also call us toll-free anytime day or night at 1.800.272.3900. Our trained helpline professionals can answer your questions, discuss finding a medical professional who can diagnose Alzheimer's and share resources to help people and their families.
Get help and support
When someone is diagnosed with Alzheimer's, it can affect the entire family. Many families take care of the person at home for the duration of the disease. This can have an enormous physical, emotional and financial impact on caregivers and families.
It's essential to get support and plan to manage through the years ahead. Here are some resources from the Alzheimer's Association:
- Local chapters – Your local Alzheimer's Association can help you find resources in your community such as adult day care, in-home assistance and support groups.
Find your local chapter >> - MedicAlert + Safe Return (Save 20% on enrollment now!) – If you are concerned about your loved one's safety, enroll them in MedicAlert® + Alzheimer’s Association Safe Return®, a live 24-hour emergency response service for wandering and other medical emergencies. Discount ends Jan. 1, 2009.
Find out more >> - CareSource – Our one-stop Web resource for everything you need to know about finding and planning care for a person with Alzheimer's, including locating licensed care facilities in your area.
Go to CareSource >> - Message Boards – Get advice, tips and understanding from others who have been there and know what you are going through.
Go to Message Boards >>
