Ever since your dad passed away, your elderly mother has been living alone in the house you grew up in. But lately she’s been very forgetful, and can’t seem to remember major events that happened just in the past few years. Mom also keeps “misplacing” everyday items around her home, or putting them in strange places. Could she have Alzheimer’s?

Watching someone you love deal with Alzheimer’s disease can be devastating, especially when it’s a parent. If you’re concerned that your mom or dad has Alzheimer’s, there are several ways to find out for sure.

What is Alzheimer’s?

Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease that makes brain cells waste away and die. It’s the most common cause of dementia, a term that broadly describes a continual decline in a senior’s thinking, social skills and behavior that eventually interferes with their ability to carry out normal daily activities. According to the Mayo Clinic (www.mayoclinic.org), dementia’s early signs are related to memory loss, and may include:

  • Forgetting the names of family members and everyday objects
  • Getting lost in familiar places
  • Repeating statements and questions over and over
  • Forgetting important conversations, appointments or events
  • Routinely misplacing household items, or putting them in strange places
  • Struggling to come up with the right words to identify objects, express thoughts or engage in normal conversations

If you or your siblings have noticed some of these symptoms, mom could have Alzheimer’s. Now it’s time to investigate how to find out for sure.

Compile Detailed Notes

Start taking detailed notes about mom’s unusual behavior. The purpose of having written documentation is so you can present it to her physician later. Over a period of several weeks, look for these specific behaviors:

  • Using poor judgment. Is she making blatantly bad decisions, including ones affecting her safety and finances?
  • Appointments and commitments. Does mom keep forgetting important doctor’s appointments or family get-togethers that she was just reminded about?
  • Daily struggles with memory. We all experience memory lapses. But is your parent having one or more per day?
  • Difficulty managing finances. Is managing her bills, taxes or expenses becoming a major problem? This is sometimes hard to monitor if you aren’t involved with your parent’s financial dealings, so you may have to ask mom about it directly.
  • Trouble using new gadgets. Is your mom struggling to adapt to a new phone, appliance or other gadget that she should master easily?
  • Forgetting the month or year. Does she frequently forget what month or year it is?
  • Repeating herself. Does mom just keep repeating the same stories, or asking the same questions, over and over?
  • Disinterest in activities once enjoyed. If mom loves gardening or playing bridge with her friends, have you noticed that she’s stopped doing so lately? But first, make sure to rule out any physical limitations that might be causing the disinterest.

Once you’ve compiled your information, contact their doctor’s office and schedule a time to share what you’ve learned. If mom refuses to cooperate, keep in mind that no HIPAA authorization is needed to discuss your concerns with a healthcare professional.

Getting Them Help

A doctor who understands Alzheimer’s will probably ask you about each of the above categories, so you’ll already be ahead of the game. If it looks like mom has Alzheimer’s, the doctor will want to see her before making a definitive diagnosis. Unfortunately, no cure currently exists, although some medications may temporarily slow down the disease’s progression.

As Alzheimer’s progresses, continued brain function deterioration can cause infections, malnutrition, dehydration and eventually death. The best way to help someone living with the disease is to keep them feeling safe and comfortable. If your mom can still live independently, you may want to consider hiring a licensed in-home caregiver who’s trained to care for seniors with Alzheimer’s.

Reliable In-Home Dementia Care for Seniors in Alabama

Caring for an aging in place parent with Alzheimer’s can be hard. When you need a hand, call Seniors Prefer Homecare. As a fully licensed and insured agency, we provide reliable in-home dementia care that includes mental stimulation, documenting changing behaviors, providing nutritious meals, transportation and maintaining a safe home environment. In addition, all the dementia services delivered by our carefully screened and well-trained aides are done so under the supervision of a staff coordinator.

While in the home, our aides can also perform duties like light housework, personal hygiene, medication reminders and companionship. And, all our affordable home care services can be individually tailored in a flexible package when and where you need them. To learn more about caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s, or to schedule a FREE, in-home consultation with Seniors Prefer Homecare in the Huntsville, Tuscaloosa or AL, areas, please visit: www.seniorspreferhomecare.com now!