The average person with Alzheimer’s is a person in his or her late seventies whose symptoms arise slowly, over time. However, of the 747,000 people with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia in Canada, up to five per cent of those people have younger-onset Alzheimer’s, which is also commonly misdiagnosed. Here are some early symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. You may be surprised to learn that many early warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease have nothing to do with memory problems. Behavioural Changes (Stealing and Law Breaking) Early signs of Alzheimer’s include behavioural changes that involve people making poor moral decisions that they wouldn’t normally make. This could include stealing and other law-breaking behaviour. In some cases, the ability to make decisions between right and wrong becomes hindered due to the executive function of the brain (that is, decision-making skills) not working as well. Frequent Falling If you or someone you know…

Dementia and alzheimer’s are often thought of and discussed as one and the same thing when, in fact, they are different. However, although they are different, they are similar in the sense that neither one is considered normal as it relates to the process of aging. Here are the ways in which the two differ. They Are Different Conditions AltogetherDementia is not a disease – it actually refers to group of symptoms, including memory loss and difficulty with reasoning, problem-solving, and language. It is common for people to have multiple conditions that result in dementia. In other words, when someone is diagnosed with dementia, they are actually being diagnosed with a set of symptoms.Early signs of dementia include forgetfulness or failing to remember how to get around a place that was once familiar. As dementia progresses, people will begin to have trouble recognizing faces and will be unable to care…

Alzheimer’s disease is well-known, not only as being incredibly common in seniors and a leading cause of death, but also as being devastating and emotionally difficult. Those who suffer from Alzheimer’s experience symptoms such as: Short-term memory loss. Disorientation. Mood swings. Behavioural issues. Alzheimer’s doesn’t only affect those who have it, but also the family and friends who help to plan and organize care, and who deal with the emotional effects of memory loss and changes in mood and behaviour. It’s important to remember, when dealing with Alzheimer’s patients, that they are still human beings with emotions, and that we must put our own feelings aside sometimes in order to improve their lives. Here are some ways to let those with Alzheimer’s know they are loved and cared for: Patience and Compassion Memory loss is one of the earliest symptoms of Alzheimer’s, and can be difficult to deal with. Spending…

It can be difficult to observe the effects of Alzheimer’s disease on our loved ones, and provide them the care they need as they deal with the disease. Here is a brief overview of how to provide care when looking after someone with this particular health issue. Communicating with someone who has Alzheimer’s disease Communicating can be difficult for people suffering with Alzheimer’s as they may struggle with paying attention, lose their train of thought, have trouble finding the right words to express what they want to say, and have difficulty understanding people. There are strategies that caregivers can employ…

By remaining stimulated and engaged, Alzheimer’s patients can retain their independence and basic skills for longer. Games and activities are great ways for your loved ones suffering from Alzheimer’s to maintain an active mind and accomplish this goal. Activities are also enriching in that they are fun and enjoyable. Here are 4 kinds of activities that your loved one with Alzheimer’s can do: Games and Puzzles Games such as crosswords, word searches, board games, chess, checkers, and puzzles are great for maintaining an active mind and are a lot of fun. Also consider handheld electronic games, as these may be…