In the United States alone, 5 million people are living with Alzheimer’s. Although this disease typically affects seniors, about 250,000 Americans in their 40s and 50s have been diagnosed with younger-onset Alzheimer’s. Since November has globally been declared Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, we’re sharing 5 indicators that will help you identify this disease early.
Memory Loss
Being more forgetful than normal, needing frequent reminders, and asking repetitive questions can occur in varying degrees. They may also misplace items, have difficulty retracing steps, and believe that items are being stolen.
Planning or Solving Problems
An individual might have trouble creating a plan of action, working with numbers, or making decisions. They’ll likely begin to exhibit poor judgment in financial decisions and personal hygiene as well.
Completing Familiar Tasks
Alzheimer’s affects areas of the brain that allow someone to focus, making everyday tasks that require critical thinking more difficult. Vision loss, which can impact this same group of individuals, can affect their ability to read, judge distance, and determine colors. This is a dangerous combination when it comes to tasks like driving safely without getting lost.
Determining the Time & Place
A common symptom of younger-onset Alzheimer’s is misunderstanding the passage of time because a person can become stuck in past memories. The inability to determine the current time and place makes planning future events difficult.
Finding the Right Words
A person might struggle to find the right words, forget how to finish a sentence, or have repetitive conversations. Starting a conversation or hopping into one could be difficult, and thus the individual may also experience social anxiety.
Diagnosis & Ways to Support
If someone you love is exhibiting symptoms of younger-onset Alzheimer’s, consult with a doctor about receiving an official diagnosis. Unfortunately, getting an accurate diagnosis can be difficult because age and medical history can cause Alzheimer’s to be misdiagnosed as stress, menopause, or depression.
The City of North Platte was proud to participate in the annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s last September! Remember that there are numerous resources and support systems in place for you or a loved one to ask questions, receive support, and find educational materials to facilitate meaningful living.
At Gateway Realty of North Platte, we’re invested in supporting our local community and those affected by Alzheimer’s. We treat you like neighbors because that’s what you are! If you’re looking for your dream home, give us a call at (308) 532-1810 or visit our website.