Recognizing the Early Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease in a Family Member

September 21 Is World Alzheimer’s Day – a global opportunity to raise awareness about the signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s so that we can recognize them sooner and help our loved ones begin treatment as early as possible. A prompt diagnosis is key to limit the disease’s negative effects – the earlier it is diagnosed, the more effectively treatment can help manage symptoms.

If you notice any early signs of Alzheimer’s in your family member or loved one, such as personality changes, memory loss, or confusion, it’s important to have them evaluated by a physician as soon as possible.

What Is Alzheimer’s Disease?

Alzheimer’s disease is a type of dementia characterized by changes in memory, cognition, and behavior. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of dementia and accounts for 60 to 80 percent of dementia cases. Although Alzheimer’s has no cure, proper care and treatment can reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.

Is Your Family Member Displaying Early Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease?

It can often be difficult to spot early signs of Alzheimer’s, which may be subtle or mistakenly attributed to normal aging. If you notice your loved one displaying any of the following symptoms, especially with increasing frequency or severity, it’s important to talk to a doctor.

They are experiencing memory loss that affects day-to-day activities.

It's normal to occasionally forget simple tasks on your schedule, appointments, or names. However, one of the first and most common symptoms of Alzheimer’s is forgetting things more often or immediately after learning them, which then negatively affects daily life.

They have trouble performing familiar tasks.

If your family member has Alzheimer’s, they may have trouble remembering to complete simple daily tasks, such as getting dressed, brushing their teeth, or making dinner.

They are becoming increasingly confused about locations or time.

Everyone occasionally forgets what day it is, but those with Alzheimer’s will often experience extreme difficulty remembering where they are or even what year it is.

They are experiencing personality or behavioral changes.

Those with Alzheimer’s may experience personality changes and become confused, suspicious, afraid, or unusually withdrawn. Severe mood swings are also common, such as fits of crying or rage for no particular reason.

They often misplace things.

While we all misplace things occasionally, a family member with Alzheimer’s may find themselves losing things more frequently or putting belongings in strange places, such as their glasses in the refrigerator or food in their bedroom closet.

They are experiencing trouble speaking or understanding.

A person with Alzheimer’s may forget common words or use the incorrect word in conversation. They may also experience difficulty understanding someone else’s speech.

They make poor decisions or engage in risky behavior.

Alzheimer’s can often affect judgment, which may cause risky or unsafe behavior, such as walking into a busy street or ignoring signs of a serious medical issue.

They are losing motivation or interest in things they enjoy.

Someone with early Alzheimer’s may lose interest in hobbies they once enjoyed, withdraw from social interaction, and even lose motivation to engage in essential daily tasks, such as cleaning the house or bathing.

Supporting a Family Member with Early Alzheimer’s Disease

If your family member receives an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, you may feel overwhelmed, distressed, and unsure of how to support them. However, aside from following their doctor’s recommendations for treatment, there are many ways you can help make living with Alzheimer’s easier for them.

Provide emotional support: You may feel frustrated or helpless if you are unable to alleviate your family member’s symptoms or help them with their distress. However, simply being present and understanding is the best way to offer emotional support. Be a listening ear and validate their feelings, even if you can’t fix everything that upsets or confuses them.

Make their home safe: Making sure your family member’s home is safe and accessible can help prevent falls or injuries and help them feel secure in their surroundings when they get confused. Eliminate potential fall hazards, such as uneven rugs, electrical cords, or broken floorboards. Make sure that fire and carbon monoxide alarms are installed and in working order, install adequate lighting, and keep everyday items within reach and easily accessible.

Learn about support options for you: When supporting your family member with Alzheimer’s, it’s important to remember to care for yourself, as well. Join support groups for family members of people with Alzheimer’s, visit online forums to share your experiences with others, or consider home health care or respite care if you are feeling overwhelmed. If you are experiencing any mental health struggles from the added stress, such as depression or anxiety, you may benefit from talking to a therapist to learn how to effectively cope with your emotions.

Our Compassionate Memory Care Communities

At Christian Health, we offer specialized care for people with Alzheimer’s in several of our communities. Because we offer a comprehensive continuum of care on one campus, your loved one can transition between care communities as their needs change.

Courtyard at Longview: At the Courtyard at Longview, those with early-stage dementia thrive in a community that prioritizes safety and comfort while promoting independence and social interaction.

To learn more about Courtyard, please contact Victoria Durante, Director of Admissions, at (201) 848-4303 or VDurante@ChristianHealthNJ.org or take a virtual tour.

Heritage Manor: Heritage Manor, our skilled-nursing community, offers compassionate, individualized, multidisciplinary care to meet various unique needs of older adults, including memory care. Our team members are specially trained to care for patients with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia, consistently ensuring their comfort, security, and well-being.

To learn more about Heritage Manor, please contact admissions at (201) 848-5855 or LTCAdmissions@ChristianHealthNJ.org or take a virtual tour.

Southgate Special Care: Southgate Special Care’s healing, therapeutic environment provides compassionate care for older adults with behavioral disturbances associated with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia – one of only four similarly licensed communities in the state of New Jersey.

To learn more about Southgate Special Care, please contact admissions at (201) 848-5855 or LongTermCare@ChristianHealthNJ.org or take a virtual tour.

Ramapo Ridge Behavioral Health: Ramapo Ridge, our inpatient mental health hospital, provides behavioral health services for older adults struggling with mental health disturbances caused by Alzheimer’s disease. The program has a Disease-Specific Care Certificate of Distinction for Dementia from The Joint Commission and offers specialized therapeutic activities, such as Snoezelen therapy, a multisensory therapy that uses light, aroma, and sound to produce calming effects.

To learn more about Ramapo Ridge, please call (201) 848-5500.