Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia. It can affect memory, thinking, communication and behaviour, with symptoms often developing gradually over time. Every person experiences the condition differently, and the early signs can sometimes be subtle.
At Bluebird Care Taunton & Mid-Devon, we know how difficult it can be to watch someone you love begin to change. Recognising potential signs early can help families seek advice and access the right information and support.
Memory Loss That Affects Everyday Life
We all forget things occasionally, especially as we get older.
Forgetting a name, misplacing your keys or occasionally missing an appointment does not necessarily mean someone has Alzheimer's or dementia.
However, memory problems that become more frequent and begin affecting everyday life can be a sign that something needs investigating.
This may include:
- Frequently forgetting recent conversations or events
- Asking the same questions repeatedly
- Forgetting important appointments or dates
- Struggling to remember recently learned information
- Increasingly misplacing items in unusual places
Memory loss is often one of the first noticeable symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, particularly difficulties remembering recent events or learning new information.
Difficulty With Everyday Tasks
Another possible sign is finding familiar tasks increasingly difficult.
Someone may begin struggling with activities they have completed independently for years, such as:
- Following the steps of a familiar recipe
- Managing household finances
- Keeping track of regular payments
- Planning everyday activities
- Making decisions
- Organising tasks
Everyone can make mistakes or need extra time when learning something new. The difference is when difficulties become increasingly frequent and begin affecting someone's ability to manage everyday life.
Problems Finding the Right Words
Changes in communication can also be an early sign.
A loved one may begin:
- Frequently struggling to find the right word
- Using vague words such as "thing" instead of naming an object
- Losing their train of thought during conversations
- Finding it difficult to follow what someone is saying
- Having increasing difficulty taking part in conversations
These changes can understandably be frustrating for the person experiencing them and for the people around them.
Becoming Confused About Time or Place
Occasionally forgetting what day of the week it is happens to everyone.
However, becoming regularly confused about time, dates or familiar places can be more concerning.
Potential signs include:
- Losing track of the date or time of year
- Becoming confused about where they are
- Getting lost in places that were previously familiar
- Finding familiar journeys increasingly difficult
If these experiences are happening regularly, it is worth speaking to a healthcare professional.
Changes in Mood, Personality or Behaviour
Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia can sometimes lead to noticeable changes in someone's mood or behaviour.
A person may become:
- More anxious than usual
- Easily irritated
- Withdrawn from family and friends
- Less interested in hobbies they previously enjoyed
- Sad or frightened
- More easily upset
For families, these changes can be particularly difficult because someone may begin behaving in ways that feel completely unlike the person they have always known.
It is important to remember that changes in behaviour can have many possible causes and should not automatically be assumed to mean someone has Alzheimer's or dementia.
Changes in Vision and Perception
One sign that is sometimes less well known is difficulty understanding or interpreting what someone is seeing.
This can include:
- Difficulty judging distances
- Problems navigating stairs
- Struggling to recognise objects
- Becoming confused by reflections or patterns
Vision and perception problems can have a number of different causes, but they can also occur as part of dementia and should be discussed with a healthcare professional if they are affecting everyday life.
Alzheimer's Is Not a Normal Part of Ageing
One of the most important messages during Alzheimer's Awareness Month is that dementia is not a normal part of getting older.
Some changes in memory can happen naturally with age, but symptoms that become progressively worse or begin affecting someone's independence and everyday life should be taken seriously.
Memory and thinking problems can also be caused by other conditions, some of which may be treatable. This is why it is important not to try to diagnose Alzheimer's or dementia yourself. A qualified healthcare professional is needed to investigate what may be causing the symptoms.
What Should You Do If You Are Worried About Someone You Love?
Starting a conversation about memory problems can feel difficult.
Your loved one may not have noticed the changes themselves, or they may feel worried, embarrassed or frustrated about what is happening.
Try to approach the conversation with kindness and reassurance. Focus on the fact that you have noticed some changes and would like to help them understand what might be causing them.
If you are concerned, encourage them to speak with their GP.
The Alzheimer's Society dementia symptoms checklist can also help people make a note of symptoms before speaking to a healthcare professional. It is not a diagnostic tool, but it can help start an important conversation.
Support for Families Living With Alzheimer's
An Alzheimer's diagnosis affects far more than the person living with the condition.
It can also have a significant impact on husbands, wives, children, friends and family members who may gradually take on more responsibility for supporting their loved one.
As we explored recently through the story of our customer Colin and his wife, caring for someone with Alzheimer's can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also be physically and emotionally demanding.
Professional home care can provide valuable support for families, whether that means helping with everyday routines, providing companionship or giving a family carer the opportunity to rest and recharge.
At Bluebird Care Taunton & Mid-Devon, we believe that nobody should feel they have to manage caring for someone they love entirely alone.
Raising Awareness Starts With Conversation
Alzheimer's Awareness Month is about more than understanding the symptoms.
It is about encouraging people to talk.
Talk about the changes you have noticed. Talk to your family. Talk to your GP. Ask for advice and support when you need it.
The earlier families begin having these conversations, the sooner they can understand what is happening and access the appropriate support.
Because sometimes, recognising that something has changed is the first step towards making sure someone you love gets the help they need.
