Loved Ones May Notice Signs of Alzheimer's Disease During the Holidays

The holidays are times for family members to gather from near and far to celebrate the season. Often this may be the only time all year that families get together. Family members may begin to notice subtle changes in loved ones that might not have been visible the year before.

What to Look For: 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer's

Everyone forgets a name or misplaces keys occasionally, and many healthy people are less able to remember certain kinds of information as they get older. But the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease are much more severe than simple memory lapses. People with Alzheimer's experience difficulties communicating, thinking, reasoning and learning—problems severe enough to have an impact on an individual's work, social activities and family life. Here are some signs that might be of concern:

1. Memory loss. Forgetting recently learned information is one of the most common early signs of dementia. A person begins to forget more often and is unable to recall the information later. What's normal: Forgetting names or appointments occasionally.
   
2. Difficulty performing familiar tasks. People with dementia often find it hard to plan or complete everyday tasks. Individuals may lose track of the steps involved in preparing a meal, placing a telephone call or playing a game. What's normal: Occasionally forgetting why you came into a room or what you planned to say.
   
3. Problems with language. People with Alzheimer's disease often forget simple words or substitute unusual words, making their speech or writing hard to understand. For example, they may be unable to find the toothbrush and instead ask for "that thing for my mouth." What's normal: Sometimes having trouble finding the right word.
   
4. Disorientation to time and place. People with Alzheimer's disease can become lost in their own neighborhood, forget where they are and how they got there, and not know how to get back home. What's normal: Forgetting the day of the week or walking into another room and forgetting why you went there.
   
5. Poor or decreased judgment. Those with Alzheimer's may dress inappropriately, wearing several layers on a warm day or little clothing in the cold. They may show poor judgment, like giving away large sums of money. What's normal: Making a questionable or debatable decision from time to time.
   
6. Problems with abstract thinking. Someone with Alzheimer's disease may have unusual difficulty performing complex mental tasks, like forgetting what numbers are for and how they should be used.  What's normal: Finding it challenging to balance a checkbook.
   
7. Misplacing things. A person with Alzheimer's disease may put things in unusual places, such as an iron in the freezer or wristwatch in the sugar bowl. What's normal: Misplacing keys or a wallet temporarily.
   
8. Changes in mood or behavior. Someone with Alzheimer's disease may show rapid mood swings—from calm to tears to anger—for no apparent reason. What's normal: Occasionally feeling sad or moody.
   
9. Changes in personality. The personalities of people with dementia can change dramatically. They may become extremely confused, suspicious, fearful or dependant on a family member. What's normal: People's personalities do change somewhat with age. They may become less flexible or reluctant to try new things; however, normal changes are not generally dramatic.
   
10. Loss of initiative. A person with Alzheimer's may become very passive, sitting in front of the TV for hours, sleeping more than usual or not wanting to do usual activities. What's normal: Sometimes feeling weary of work or social obligations.

If you recognize any warning signs in yourself or a loved one, you should consulting a doctor. Early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease or other disorders causing dementia is an important step to getting appropriate treatment, care and support services.
This information is from the U.S. Alzheimer's Association, whose mission is to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.

For More Information
For local resources and more information about Alzheimer’s disease and other conditions that cause cognitive impairment, go to the website of the Alzheimer Society of Canada. The Alzheimer Society of Canada provides support, information and education to people with Alzheimer's disease, families, physicians and health-care providers. The Society identifies, develops and facilitates national priorities that enable its members to effectively alleviate the personal and social consequences of Alzheimer's and related diseases, promotes research, and leads the search for a cure.