Did you see the warning signs this holiday season?
When you think a loved one may have Alzheimer's disease
Holiday gatherings are a time when families may notice the signs of Alzheimer's disease in a loved one. Neglecting to buy gifts for grandchildren, difficulty following a family recipe and forgetting words to blessings are some examples of symptoms that may appear during the holidays.
10 warning signs of Alzheimer’s
The Alzheimer's Association has developed a checklist of common symptoms to help you recognize the difference between normal age-related memory changes and possible warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease.
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
Learn more about the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease >>
What to do next
Get to a doctor
If you recognize any of the warning signs above in a family member, see a doctor. Early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease is an important step to getting appropriate treatment, care and support services.
Learn more about diagnosing Alzheimer's >>
Get more information
See our About Alzheimer's Disease section to learn more about Alzheimer treatments, progression and how it affects the brain. 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 that help people living with Alzheimer’s and their families.
Get support
When someone is diagnosed with Alzheimer's, it can affect the entire family. The duration of the disease can vary from three to 20 years. Many families take care of the person at home for most of this time. 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 >>
- 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 facilities in your area.
Go to CareSource >>
- Message Boards – Get advice, tips and understanding from others who are going through the caregiving journey.
Go to Message Boards >>
