If your senior parent has Alzheimer’s, you may be wondering what to expect as the disease progresses. Alzheimer’s affects every senior differently. So, the symptoms that your mom or dad has and how severe those symptoms get are hard to predict.
However, in general, family members notice some changes in their senior loved ones as the disease progresses. That’s because of how the disease impacts different parts of the brain. If you start noticing that your mom or dad is having trouble with tasks that they used to be able to perform easily, that could be due to Alzheimer’s.
When you start noticing that your mom or dad is displaying symptoms of Alzheimer’s, you should get them Alzheimer’s home care services. Alzheimer’s home care is specialized care designed to meet the needs of seniors living at home with Alzheimer’s.
Alzheimer’s home care providers can help your mom or dad, and you and your siblings, adjust to changes that can happen to your senior parent due to Alzheimer’s like:
Memory Loss and Confusion
One of the first changes you may notice in your mom or dad is memory loss. They might forget important dates, names, or events. They may ask the same questions over and over because they can’t remember the answer you gave them.
As the disease progresses, this confusion gets worse. They may forget where they are or what they are doing. This can make them feel scared or frustrated, which may also cause changes in their mood.
Mood Swings and Depression
Mood swings are common in people with Alzheimer’s. One minute, they may seem calm, and the next, they are upset or angry for no clear reason. Depression can also set in because they are aware that something is wrong with them.
Your mom or dad may feel sad or hopeless, especially when they realize they are forgetting things or making mistakes. These mood swings can be hard for family members to deal with, but it’s important to be patient and offer support.
Changes in Personality
As Alzheimer’s progresses, it can change your mom or dad’s personality. They might become more irritable or anxious. Someone who was once outgoing and social may become withdrawn and prefer to be alone.
They may lose interest in hobbies or activities they used to enjoy. These changes happen because the disease affects the parts of the brain that control personality and behavior. It’s like they aren’t themselves anymore, which can be hard for families to deal with. If you need to take time off to let yourself process these changes, Alzheimer’s home care providers can take care of your mom or dad, so you can do that.
Difficulty with Movement
Alzheimer’s also affects physical abilities over time. Your mom or dad may have trouble with balance, making them more likely to fall. Walking may become slower, and they may have difficulty getting up from a chair or bed.
Fine motor skills, like buttoning a shirt or tying shoes, may become harder. These physical changes mean they may need help with everyday tasks, such as dressing or bathing.
Trouble with Communication
Seniors with Alzheimer’s often struggle to find the right words or follow a conversation. They may repeat themselves or use the wrong words without realizing it. If that happens when you’re talking to them, just ignore it and keep going.
As the disease worsens, they may have trouble understanding what others are saying. This can make communication frustrating for both you and your loved one. You may need to speak more slowly, use simple words, and be patient while they try to express themselves.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Alzheimer’s Home Care in Air Force Academy, CO, please contact the caring staff at Talem Home Care & Placement Services of Colorado Springs, CO, today. Call (719) 639-2663
At Talem Home Care & Placement Services of Colorado Springs CO, we provide passionate, understanding, and flexible caregivers in Colorado Springs, Air Force Academy, Black Forest, Cimarron Hills, Fort Carson, Gleneagle, Larkspur, Manitou Springs, Monument, Palmer Lake, Perry Park, Rock Creek Park, Security-Widefield, Stratmoor, and Woodmoor and surrounding areas in Colorado.
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