Senior Care: Alzheimer's or Dementia- How to recognize the signs

Alzheimer's disease is the leading cause of Dementia and the one we hear about the most. It is a degenerative disease that denies the brain its ability to function. This eventually affects the autonomic functions such as breathing and heart rate and becomes fatal.

However, not all people with Dementia have Alzheimer's. Both affect cognitive memory but Alzheimer's Disease is the only one of the two that results in death. Each person may experience some of these symptoms to a greater or lesser degree so recognizing the signs of Alzheimer's Disease helps families properly identify problematic behavior that can be addressed correctly and as early as possible.

Here are the Ten Signs of Alzheimer's Disease:

• Memory loss that disrupts daily life.

• Challenges in planning/solving problems

• Familiar tasks at home or work become difficult to finish

• Confusion with time or place

• Difficulty understanding visual imagery or spatial relationships

• Progressive speech or writing difficulties

• Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace one's steps

• Increasingly poor judgment

• Introvert, withdrawal from social activities or work

• Mood or personality changes

It should be pointed out that age-related difficulties, such as occasional symptoms of any of the above are normal. Professional intervention from a physician is recommended, if these symptoms begin to increase in frequency or become debilitating.

Where do you turn when a love one needs more than you can manage on your own? What do you do when some of the care alternatives seem like a complication rather than a solution? Consult Atlanta's most trusted source for quality Home Care since 1994, Easy Living Services. Flexible care plans designed to guarantee safety, comfort, and personal attention. Call to discuss your specific needs, 770-442-8664 or visit us at: www.easylivingserices.com