Mature seniors face many possible health concerns. One of the most difficult diseases for an individual and their family to face is Alzheimer’s Disease. Although there is not a cure for Alzheimer’s Disease early detection is important to the way in which an individual and their loved one’s handles the disease. If it is discovered that a person has Alzheimer’s Disease early on, treatment can often help to slow down the progression of the disease.

The sooner a family knows that a loved one has Alzheimer’s, the sooner they can learn about this disease and make plans on how to care for their family member. By knowing, what they are facing, family member are better able to make long-term plans for their loved ones. The time might come when a family member is no longer able to stay at home or even in the home of a family member. Family members should read up on Alzheimer’s and talk to their parent or family member’s physician to learn all that they can. In fact, there is a great deal to learn about Alzheimer’s Disease and much to still be discovered.

Family members and friends must be aware of some of the signs of Alzheimer’s disease, as those they love begin to age. Everyone can be a little forgetful at time, and this often becomes even more noticeable as people become older. There are, however, some signs to watch for that could indicate a problem. When family members begin to notice these signs in a loved one, it is time to make an appointment with the individual’s doctor. Even if a person does not have Alzheimer’s, making an appointment is important since a variety of ailments can cause dementia or dementia type symptoms.

The problem with many of the signs of Alzheimer’s disease is that many of the symptoms could be considered normal in their most basic form. For example, not knowing where a person put his or her keys is not unusual. Finding them on the nightstand by the bed is probably not cause for alarm. On the other hand, if a person cannot find the book they have been reading and later finds it laying in the refrigerator this may very well be a sign of Alzheimer’s.

Constant forgetfulness and severe problems with short-term memory typically are among the first signs of Alzheimer’s. Forgetting an item or two on a grocery list is not generally a sign of a problem. But if a person forgets his or her own address or how to drive back home, that is a problem. People with Alzheimer’s often begin to show signs that they are having trouble with the most common of tasks. They might not “remember” how to put their clothes on in the morning. Any of these symptoms should be taken very seriously.

Another sign that something might be amiss is when the personality of a loved one seems to change and change with little warning. A usually kind and friendly person might seem more abrasive or even begin to act anything other than nice. Complete changes in a person’s personality or a constant shift in mood or behavior could very well be an indicator that some dementia is taking place. Everyone has mood changes at times, but if this begins to happen all the time and the emotions are covering a wide pendulum, there likely is a problem.

Beware of potential signs of Alzheimer’s disease in your loved ones. Although you might not be able to prevent Alzheimer’s and there is no cure, early detection can go a long way in helping both you and your loved one to cope with the disease.

Imagine the pain of watching someone you love lose his or her short-term memory. Seeing someone who was once vibrant and active now having trouble completing the simplest of tasks is difficult for anyone. People who have loved ones and family members with Alzheimer’s must be sure to take good care of themselves. Alzheimer’s also takes its toll on the caregivers and loved ones of those who are suffering from the disease.

Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s requires time and energy. It can be both physically and emotionally draining. Of course, those who have a family member with Alzheimer’s generally do all they can to help the person they love. Taking care of that person is not a burden, but it does take a toll on the caregivers. It is not easy to see someone you love suffering. Individuals often feel helpless as they see the memories and cognitive abilities of the Alzheimer’s patient begin to decline.

In order to be able to make the best decisions and to provide the best care for loved ones with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, it is essential for family member to take good care of their own health and well being. Family members must share in the responsibilities. If a parent has Alzheimer’s for example, all children must do what they can to care for their parents. When the duties are left primarily to one person, that individual can quickly get burned out.

It is important for the caregivers to know that it is okay to ask for and accept help when family members are afflicted with Alzheimer’s. There are times when the responsibility becomes too much for one or even a couple family members to handle on their own. Everyone is usually balancing the care of their loved one along with their own jobs and families. Hiring a home health aid to come in a few times a week is one helpful solution. Looking into adult day care a few times a week is another possibility. There are ways that family members can receive help without needing to consider a long-term care community.

Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s easily takes an emotional toll on a person. Caregivers struggle with the responsibility of caring for their family member along with the sadness of seeing their loved one in poor health. It is never easy for a son or daughter to realize that a parent does not always recognize his or her own child. Individuals are saddened to see a loved one struggle to remember how to complete everyday tasks. Those who have a family member with Alzheimer’s should consider joining a support group. This can help individuals to share their experiences, feelings and fears with others who understand what it is like to have a family member with Alzheimer’s.

Those who care for a loved one with Alzheimer’s definitely must take some time for themselves. They need to schedule time each day and each week when they can relax and take a break. People often feel guilty about the time they spend away from their loved one (other than the times they are with their family or at work). However, this time for one’s self is important. Taking care of one’s own health and wellness is essential so that the person can stay in good health in order to take care of oneself, family members, and a loved one with Alzheimer’s.

Sometimes as individuals grow older and enter their retirement years, they begin to feel depressed. The depression can result from declining health, loss of a spouse or other loved one, no longer being able to work and a variety of other factors facing senior citizens. Various forms of dementia including Alzheimer’s disease also affect some individuals. In the early stages, it sometimes can be difficult to differentiate dementia from depression.

Depression often results in memory problems in older individuals. They might seem as if they are being forgetful, when in fact, they are distracted by their feelings of depression. If a person is exhibiting mild to moderate changes in his or her personality or slight mood swings, they may be suffering from depression. The problem lies in the fact that these symptoms also could indicate dementia.

If your loved one has been having memory problems for an extended period of time, you should consult with a physician. The same is true if an individual is acting out of character or having wide mood swings for more than a few days. These could by signs of depression or dementia. It is best to consult with a physician so that he or she can evaluate your loved one for depression or other illnesses. Hopefully, the doctor will find that your loved one is healthy. In fact, sometimes a simple imbalance in a person’s diet can be causing these problems and can be treated effectively.

You also might learn that a loved one is suffering from dementia or depression. Both are serious conditions. It is important to learn all that you can from your family member’s diet. They can instruct you on how to care for your loved one and what steps you can take to help him or her with depression or dementia. Depression often responds well to medication. This also is true for older individuals with depression.

Dementia has its own treatments and set of challenges. If your family member has a form of dementia, the way you handle his or her condition will differ depending on the cause. It is important to work closely with your loved one’s physician. You also should read and do your own research to learn ore about the cause of your family member’s dementia. If your loved one is in the early stages of Alzheimer’s, you can find a variety of resources and support groups.

When you have a loved one who suffers from dementia, it also is important to watch for signs of depression. As a person begins to become forgetful or to have memory problems, he or she often feels a bit helpless which can lead to depression. Although dementia can cause a person to be withdrawn, to act differently or to have mood swings, you still need to be aware of the possibility of depression. If you notice any new symptoms or significant changes, you should talk to your family member’s physician to find out if an evaluation for depression is necessary.

Individuals with Alzheimer’s disease often need help to create a safer living environment. There are many potential dangers of which caretakers should be aware. When a person has Alzheimer’s disease they can become forgetful or confused and therefore need a little extra help to stay healthy and well.

If you are taking care of a loved one with Alzheimer’s, you should help to keep the house tidy and in good order. You do not want too many things left sitting out on the floor. Your family member has the risk of falling. They might not always be as aware of items lying on the floor when they walk around the house.

Unfortunately, people with more advanced Alzheimer’s often start to forget how to use everyday household items. Some of these items can be dangerous and should therefore be kept out of reach of the individual. For example, someone with Alzheimer’s disease might forget how to use a knife. They might no longer be aware of the dangers of using a knife improperly.

A common danger for people with Alzheimer’s is the kitchen stove. An individual with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia can become confused when cooking. For instance, he or she might turn the oven up too high. Sometimes people will forget how to cook the meal they are trying to prepare. They might even forget to turn off the stove. You might want to make sure that meals are prepared for any friend’s or family members with Alzheimer’s. If a person is trying to cook on his or her own and not handling the task well, caregivers will need to keep a watchful eye to ensure the person is not using the stove.

People with Alzheimer’s might also reach a point when they need help taking their medications. You can help to make certain that he or she is taking all his or her medicine. Although someone with Alzheimer’s might set out to take the medication as prescribed, he or she might sometimes forget to take his or her medicine or become confused as to the dosages and times to take the medicines. When your loved one reaches this point, it is time to set up a schedule to ensure that someone helps to distribute their medicine throughout the day.

If you have a family member who is suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, time might come when you need to keep any potentially hazardous household items in locked cabinets. You can purchase cabinet locks for this purpose. This will help you to make certain your loved one does not accidentally ingest a hazardous household item.

When caring for someone with Alzheimer’s, it is important to help them maintain as much independence as possible. Some of the above steps might not be necessary until the disease progresses. You always want to provide your family member with as much love and support as possible. It is also necessary to watch out for signs of dangers in order to take the measures to keep your loved one safe.