Is It Alzheimer's Disease Or "Just Getting Old"?

If you are getting up there in years, your memory may not seem quite as sharp as it used to be. Then again, your memory may be starting to slip in some rather unusual ways. For many aging adults, the fear of being victims of Alzheimer disease is a very real concern. But, do not panic if you cannot remember important dates or if you forget which grandson's birthday it is. Some of these annoying slips and skips in memory are nothing more than perfectly normal signs of aging. Sometimes it is a sign that you just need to challenge your brain to be more active. If you believe you are experiencing serious problems with your memory, here are a few ways to tell if Alzheimer's disease may be to blame.

Chronically Repeating Requests for the Same Information

One of the signs of Alzheimer's disease is seen when a person constantly asks others to repeat the same information over and over again. If this happens once in a while, it may simply be a sign that they are a little forgetful; however, when it is a chronic occurrence, it suggests that something more serious may be going on upstairs. People who suffer with a chronic state of looping requests for the same information may not even know they are doing it. From their perspective, each time they ask will undoubtedly seem like it is the first time they are asking.

Misplacing Objects

It is normal for an aging person to visit a friend and walk out the door without their keys. They may even forget where they put their keys or parked their car. In the case of a person suffering with Alzheimer's disease, this problem is a lot more advanced. Instead of simply forgetting where a person has placed an object, the misplacing of objects get stranger and more frequent. They might leave their socks in the kitchen sink and hang their tie on the deadbolt slot near the front door of their home. To the average onlooker, these types of associations involved in the misplacement of objects will tend to be obviously uncommon or out of place.




Misunderstanding the Function of Objects
Another common sign of Alzheimer's disease is when people appear to misunderstand how to use a common every day object. If a person tries to shave their face with a phone receiver, or attempts to answer their electric shaver, then you may have a classic Alzheimer's patient on your hands. On the other hand, if a person simply needs help figuring out how to program their digital clock, use the remote to their television or set their microwave to the right setting, this is more likely an age-related slip in memory function.

The Loss of Time and Spacial Confusion

When a person gets older, it is common to forget what day it is. It is also common to take a wrong turn and get lost while driving. Often, with a little thought and effort, these mistakes will be easily corrected by a person with a properly functioning mind. On the other hand, if a person starts to notice large gaps in time are missing, this could tend to be a more classic sign of Alzheimer's disease. Another classic sign is when an elderly person all-of-a-sudden becomes very confused as to where they are or how they got there. Such skips in spacial memory suggest that the memory pathway outlining the steps being covered from one moment to the next are not being held in short term memory. If this occurs often, then chances are that Alzheimer's may be to blame.

Conclusion
Growing old will inevitably bring with it a senior moment or two. It is normal to experience some trouble getting the aging neurons in one's brain to fire off like they used to do. Although it can be frustrating to learn that your mind is not like the steel trap it used to be, this does not necessarily imply that you are in danger of Alzheimer's disease; however, if you start to experience genuinely strange lapses in memory, it may be time to be checked out by a physician.

Getting Help After a Hospital Discharge

When you or a loved one returns home from the hospital, you may experience an initial period of relief to be home followed by a fear of what comes next. Many Las Vegas residents find that they need some extra support after returning home.

 

Why Get Help?

Often, it takes time for a person to fully recover after returning home from the hospital. You may find that you have less energy or physical strength after spending days or weeks in a hospital. Rarely do people leave the hospital fully healed from their illness or injury. Treatment and healing need to continue at home, but going out to see a doctor or living at home without support can be challenging and stressful for you and your family.

Individuals who are not fully recovered may feel anxious about completing daily tasks or fearful about falling. Family members and loved ones may find that they are not able to help as much as they would like without effecting their own responsibilities and life. This conflict can create stress and even damage relationships.

What Type of Support is Available?

Depending on your situation, you might benefit from professional in-home care, such as physical therapy, nursing care, or occupational therapy. In-home care professionals are trained to not only help you with special medical needs but they can also help you with the activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, or cooking. Finally, many people who are receiving support at home benefit from having a social worker to help navigate and coordinate the process.

Can I Afford Home Care?

In the U.S., Medicare pays for some types of home health care. If your doctor agrees that you are in need of medical support and are not able to get it out of the home, Medicare may cover some of your needed services, including paying for physical therapy, home nursing, and necessary supplies. Medicare generally will not pay for non-medical services, such as assistance with preparing meals.

If your insurance does not cover what you need, you may be able to pay out of pocket for in-home care through a home healthcare agency. The first step in the process is to identify the types of support that you need and how often you need them. A home healthcare agency can help you to develop an individualized care plan.

If you have recently returned home from the hospital and find yourself struggling, in-home care may be what you need to remain safe and out of the hospital. Having just a little extra support can help you and your family to feel more confident and less stressed during this difficult time.