Recognizing Symptoms of Alzheimer’s

Recognizing Symptoms of Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s disease affects many nursing home residents. In fact, over 15% of residents in nursing homes have Alzheimer’s disease. These residents require special care and monitoring since they have limited or deficient memory capacity and are at a higher risk of wandering or eloping away from the nursing home facility. Inadequate supervision of a resident with Alzheimer’s disease is a sign of nursing home abuse and/or neglect.

Alzheimer’s disease is a type of dementia and constitutes between 60-80% of all dementia cases. This disease usually develops slowly and progressively gets worse over time. There are many signs and symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s disease that are fairly easy to identify. If you are concerned or suspect that an elderly loved one may have Alzheimer’s disease, look for any of the following signs:

Daily Life is Impacted by Memory Loss

Memory loss is one of the key signs of Alzheimer’s disease. The forgetting could start small and may seem like normal forgetfulness. It’s normal to misplace your car keys occasionally or forget someone’s name shortly after meeting him or her. However, when the forgetfulness is persistent and occurs often, it may be a sign of Alzheimer’s disease. If Alzheimer’s disease is suspected, consider some of the following questions:

·      Does the person forget recently learned information?

·      Does the person have difficulty with the concept of time or place?

·      Does he or she repeatedly ask for the same information that was already given to him or her?

·      Has he or she forgotten important dates, events, appointments, etc.?

·      Does this person regularly use memory aids such as notes or electronic devices?

·      Does he or she place things in strange or unusual places and forget them there?

Difficulties with Familiar Tasks, Such as Planning, Problem Solving, and Daily Tasks

People with Alzheimer’s find it difficult to do things that should be very familiar. They may forget how to get to the store or how to prepare a meal that they have made numerous times before. They might have trouble budgeting their checkbook or calling a friend on the telephone.

Changes in Behavior, Personality, and Mood

People who develop Alzheimer’s disease often undergo a change in how they behave or act. They are often confused, and as a result can become anxious, upset, or fearful. Their judgment may become poor and they may make bad decisions or become indecisive. Sometimes they may even become accusatory and suspicious, or depressed and withdrawn. They may also disengage from social activities they once loved or withdraw from friends and family.

If someone you love has Alzheimer’s disease and you are concerned that they are inadequately supervised, please contact the Rooth Law Firm today online or at (847) 869-9100.

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Sources:

Alzheimer’s Association, Know the 10 Signs: Early Detection Matters, 2009

Alzheimer’s Association, What is Alzheimer’s?

Center for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Data for Alzheimer’s Disease Fast Facts, Nursing Home Care