26 Mar 7 Signs that Mom Might Be Developing Alzheimer’s Disease

Stress, multi-tasking, and packed schedules make it hard to remember everything – like where you put your keys.  But what is normal and what is more serious?  It can be hard to know which things are just normal forgetfulness and what is a more serious sign of dementia.   Early Alzheimer’s disease does have early flags that should be addressed by adult children:

• Loss of memory: Clearly, this is the most common symptom of Alzheimer’s disease.  Though it is not unusual for people to forget things from time to time, if Mom forgets friends’ names regularly, misses appointments or other events or asks to have you repeat information over and over, it may be an early warning sign.  Misplacing your glasses is normal; leaving them in the oven is not.

• Struggling with normal daily activities: Mom has forgotten how to get to the grocery store. She struggles to remember what she’s going to do next in her day.  She suddenly forgets a recipe that she used to know by heart.  Sticky notes now clutter every surface, reminding her how to do the simplest of tasks.

• Withdrawing from others: Mom used to be very social and relished being in the company of others.  Every week she was off with a different charities or hobby.  Recently, she’s become more withdrawn.  When she does get together with people, she seems suspicious of them.  She also doesn’t tend to have the same energy level; she’s more sedentary, and sleeps more than before.

• Conversationally challenged: She used to be quite eloquent when she talked.  Now, she has trouble pinpointing the words that she wants to use when talking, and then gets frustrated.  Sometimes, Mom will call people or places by the wrong name altogether and won’t even notice.

• Loss of balance/mobility: Mom has to hold onto walls and grip furniture and handrails while walking to regain her balance.  She moves more slowly than she used to because she appears to be off kilter a lot.

• Unusual staring: Mom can be seen staring out into space often.  When she’s participating in conversation, there are flashes of a blank stare.

• Fluctuating mood: She used to be even-tempered and difficult to upset but now she flies off the handle easily and occasionally will say hurtful things, but then quickly apologies.  Sometimes, Mom also appears to be depressed.

If you see that any of these signs become a regular occurrence and get steadily worse and/or are exhibited in conjunction with other symptoms, it might be time to have your elderly parent assessed for dementia.  With Alzheimer’s disease, and all dementias, time is of the essence in slowing the progression of the disease.

For a free, no-obligation memory evaluation, contact the team at the Institute for Advanced Medical Research in Alpharetta today: 770-817-9200.