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8376271918_0ca57957fa_mWhat are the signs that someone might possibly have Alzheimer’s disease?

It can be difficult for laypersons to diagnose because Alzheimer’s usually comes on slowly and eventually progresses. This is why it is so important for a person who thinks they may be in the early stages of dementia to see a physician for a thorough examination and review of medical history.

Blood tests can detect whether changes are due to plaque on nerve cells on the brain or something treatable like thyroid problems, vitamin deficiency, drug interactions, or depression.

The 10 signs of possible Alzheimer’s are:

  1. Memory loss that disrupts daily life.
  2. Challenges in planning or solving problems.
  3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work or at leisure.
  4. Confusion with time or place.
  5. Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships.
  6. New problems with words in speaking or writing.
  7. Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps.
  8. Decreased or poor judgment.
  9. Withdrawal from social activities.
  10. Changes in mood and personality.

Again, some of these can simply be explained by fatigue, cataracts or difficulty in changing routines. With a medical diagnosis, it becomes important to accept reality and make arrangements.

At Riverwood Retirement Life Community, we operate a dedicated Pathways Memory Care with extensively trained staff offering a personalized program of care and support for the resident with Alzheimer’s and their family.

Pathways Memory Care operates on the principle that all residents deserve love, support, understanding, security, and a sense of dignity.

By partnering with the Alzheimer’s Association Riverwood enhances the quality of life for seniors experiencing various levels of cognitive challenge. The Alzheimer’s Association as well as local medical experts in the field provide extensive continuing education and support to the staff.

Riverwood works with the local Alzheimer’s Association to assist in continued education of our staff, hosting support groups for our families, and educating people in the Rome area.

The association is organizing the 2014 Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Rome on Nov. 8 at Ridge Ferry Park. The event raises money to help advance Alzheimer’s support, care and research. To donate and/or participate, visit http://act.alz.org/site/TR/Walk2014/GA-Georgia?fr_id=5038&pg=entry or volunteer with Freda Stephenson at (706) 275-0819.

To learn more about Memory Care at Riverwood Senior Living, visit https://www.riverwoodretirement.com/rome-retirement-living-amenities/memory-care-retirement-community-rome or call (706) 235-0807.

Further reading:
Alzheimer’s Association: http://www.alz.org/
The Alzheimer’s Disease Education and Referral Center: http://www.nia.nih.gov/alzheimers
Alzheimer’s Reading Room: http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/
The New York Times “New Old Age” Blog: http://newoldage.blogs.nytimes.com/