31/08/2017
Studies and statistics have shown that one t of 4 people have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease, and that 2 out of 3 people who have this are women. By the year 2025, the UK alone will have over 1 million people with this disease. What is even more astounding right now, is that 1 in 6 people over the age of 80 has Alzheimer’s Disease.
Possibly the most common and easily spotted symptom of Alzheimer’s or any type of Dementia is memory loss. However, not all memory loss is due to the disease. In fact, this may be attributed to a normal aging process.
There are some signs which are a little more ‘out of the ordinary’ and would suggest that the disease is present. As a carer, you may be the first person to become aware of this. You should be aware that families may not be ready to accept your findings, so tact and diplomacy is essential at all times when you bring up your concerns.
Simple signs to look out for:
- Difficulty understanding or concentrating: this may be such things as judging distances, reading difficulties, and driving problems.
- Loosing and finding things: while most people have misplaced their keys on occasion, if this seems to be a daily happening, then you should keep a note of it.
- Confusion: again, many people walk may at one time or another get confused as to where they are. This may be down to extreme tiredness. If it is a common thing that a person forgets where they are, and how they got there, then this may be cause for concern.
- Personality change: a change in personality may become noticible. Anger, depression and anxiety in a normally calm person may be an indication. Likewise, a normally vibrant person who over some time seems to withdraw would be a concern.
- Speaking problems: this may also happen with writing. If a person starts to have difficulty in following a conversation, or continually repeats words and sentences, then you may suggest a check-up.
- Withdrawing: people who seem to be shunning social activities, or who no longer want to participate in activities they once loved may be reason to worry.
- Planning difficulties: this is noticeable in people who are normally able to arrange to pay a bill on time, or arrange appointments. You may notice that they no longer seem able to deal with such things as calling the dentist or hairdresser. These are small things which up till now, they have managed very well. Now you may notice that you are called on to take care of them.
While this is a very frightening disease, if you do notice any (or all) of these symptoms in your client, a loved one, or even yourself, it is very important that you see a doctor as soon as possible. Early detection will increase the chances of staying independent for far longer, rather than if the disease is left untreated. Additionally, if untreated, this will place great strain on the carer over time, as the person will become far more dependant and demanding.
