You put down your car keys and can’t remember where you put them. Furthermore, you can’t find your cell phone before you leave the house. Or you want to wear a particular pair of shoes but don’t know where you put them. It is not unusual to occasionally misplace items or simply not remember where you put them down.
This happens to most people on a fairly regular basis, particularly when they are feeling stressed or hurried. As a family caregiver, however, it is important to note that if this type of behavior happens with frequency in your aging loved one, it could be more than just overlooking things or being distracted. Frequently misplacing items, getting lost, or not being able to locate items can be an early warning sign of Alzheimer’s disease.
Some behaviors and issues that could be an early warning sign of Alzheimer’s disease in your aging parent include:
- Frequently misplacing items
- Not being able to locate items that are misplaced
- Not being able to retrace their steps to the last place where they knew that they had a particular item in order to find it
- Putting items in strange places, such as putting the cereal in the refrigerator and the milk in the pantry
- Accusing people of stealing items when they are not able to find them
- Not being able to find items even if they are in plain sight or in the place where they should be
When you see your aging parent beginning to show early warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease, getting them in to the doctor as soon as possible is an important step in making sure that they get on the course of treatment and management that is right for them according to their challenges, their needs, and their other health issues. This can give them the best chances of handling their progression effectively and in a way that allows them to maintain as much quality of life as possible throughout their later years.
How can elder care help?
Elder care can be a fantastic way to help your aging parent achieve and maintain a better quality of life as they age in place. An elderly home care services provider can be with your aging parent on a customized schedule to ensure that they have access to the level of care, support, and assistance that is right for them as they cope with their individual needs, challenges, and limitations, and seek out more independence and fulfillment throughout their later years. As their family caregiver this can give you tremendous peace of mind knowing that your aging parent will be able to pursue a lifestyle that is active, engaged, and healthy, while also knowing that they will have all of the care that they need both when they are with you and when they are not.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering Elder Care in Portland, OR, please contact the caring staff at Integrity In-Home Care.
Call today (503) 660-3755
Source:
Alz.org