In honor of World Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, we would like to give some insight into Alzheimer's awareness and signs of memory loss as well as tips to better help your loved one with Alzheimer’s disease.
It can be a difficult and very sensitive situation because your loved one is losing their sense of self. Try to be patient and supportive as they repeatedly ask the same questions and forget how to perform simple tasks. Remember the sharp-minded individual they once were and always do your best to preserve your loved one’s dignity.
According to research by the Alzheimer’s Association, in 2015 an estimated 5.3 million people have Alzheimer’s disease with two-thirds affecting women. This means you are not alone. If you would like to talk to others in your situation, find a local support group on the Alzheimer’s Association website.
Some signs indicating your loved one may be suffering from a memory loss diseases such as Alzheimer's:
- Forgetting simple or routine tasks like finding their keys
- Receiving notices of missed bill payments
- Forgetting events or lunch dates
- Burning food in the kitchen
- Answering questions with
- ‘I’m not sure’
- ‘I’m just too tired to answer right now’
- ‘I can’t wrap my head around it’
- ‘It must not be important’
- Misplacing objects and forgetting where they are
- Angry behavior or distrust in others
- Mood swings
If several of these signs describe your loved one’s recent behavior, try to attend their next doctor appointment to discuss what has been happening and discuss further steps.
Tips on supporting a loved one with Alzheimer’s:
- Don’t chastise them for forgetting things, even if it is something simple like tying shoes
- If a situation becomes overwhelming, divert their attention to something else
- Activities like word searches and puzzles can help keep their mind sharp while giving you a break
- Remind them of basic things like general hygiene and healthy eating and drinking
- Leave notes around their house to remind them of important tasks
- Avoid confrontation and fights by agreeing with them
This World Alzheimer's Awareness Month, remember that Secure Aging can help ease your mind knowing that your loved one’s finances will be taken care of by professionals. Our services range from monitoring monthly statements, to fully advocating for our clients’ well-being and safety. We are here to help make your life easier and keep your loved ones safe.
Reba Rogers, CPA, is the founder of Secure Aging, a group of care managers who preserve the independence and protect the assets of seniors by helping them with financial management. She is also a Director Consultant for BNI (Business Network International), a referral marketing organization which gives her access to many trusted business professionals in the community.
