2020-01-20_amanda_FINALENGLISH_January2020_20Jan2020.docx

Big picture view: Raising the red flag on Alzheimer’s disease

Not all memory loss is created equal. Everyone forgets little things from time to time. But when those little things start to become consistent or pervasive, they might be a sign of something bigger.

Memory loss tends to be the number one sign of Alzheimer’s disease – the most common form of dementia, which affects nearly half a million Canadians over the age of 65. But make no mistake about it: dementia itself is not part of the typical, healthy aging process. It’s different.

Alzheimer’s disease isn’t about the occasional lost set of keys, or misplaced reading glasses. It takes shape in the form of memory loss that persists, worsens over time, and eventually affects a person’s ability to function (at home, work or beyond). While we tend to peg forgetfulness as a hallmark of the disease, memory loss is only one symptom.

Which warning bells should you be listening for where Alzheimer’s disease is concerned? Asking these questions is a good place to start:

Is forgetfulness affecting the day to day?

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: not all memory loss equals Alzheimer’s disease. What you should be watching for is memory loss that starts to impact someone’s ability to function. Are they forgetting their keys, or forgetting what their keys are for? Did they forget the neighbour’s name, or who the neighbour is?  And importantly, is the memory loss getting worse over time?

Are familiar tasks becoming harder to carry out?

Struggling with everyday jobs that someone’s always done can be a sign that something’s going on. Whether it’s tying shoelaces, getting dressed, or making coffee, if someone is seemingly wrestling with ordinary tasks that used to be easy, take note.

Is the conversation flowing?

Language problems and Alzheimer’s disease can go hand in hand as things progress. That could look like anything from forgetting a term, to swapping the wrong word into a sentence. Tuning in to someone’s ability to provide context, and communicate easily, can help you ensure one-off fumbles aren’t becoming more serious every day foibles.

Are time and place becoming less concrete?

Disorientation can be confusing at best. If someone starts getting lost in places that are usually familiar, or losing track of which day it is, there could be something going on beneath the surface. Pay attention to someone’s ability to navigate their usual routine, be where they’re supposed to be, and do what they need to do, on a daily basis.

Is judgment still sound?

Impaired reasoning or judgment isn’t always obvious – especially if you’re not with someone around the clock. But taken together with other signs, it can be a symptom of early Alzheimer’s disease. You might have to do some digging to assess whether someone you love is still using sound judgment. Think broad on this one, and keep an eye out for signs that someone may be making questionable decisions and choices. Are they venturing out in sub-zero temperatures wearing light clothing? Failing to recognize a health issue that’s popped up and merits a doctor’s visit? If you suspect someone’s judgment might be off, look for clues in their daily life.

Has big picture thinking become harder?

Abstract thinking is the bridge between reading numbers on a calculator, and understanding the concept of what those numbers represent. With Alzheimer’s disease, putting information into context and understanding the big picture can become difficult. Someone who’s struggling with the meaning of information – like a number, result, or sentence – and no longer understands how to use it may be giving you a sign that something isn’t quite right.

Are things out of place?

Everyone’s misplaced an item before. But with Alzheimer’s disease, this symptom is less about losing something and more about putting an item away in a completely inappropriate spot. Think a carton of milk in a cupboard, or a bag of lemons in a sock drawer. This kind of misplacing on a regular basis can be a sign that someone’s struggling.

What’s the mood?

Mood swings – especially severe ones – are often associated with Alzheimer’s disease. When a person begins flashing quickly from one mood to another, pay attention. Flipping from easy going to quick tempered, and vice versa, can be indicative of a wider issue, especially if it becomes a more consistent part of someone’s general behavior.

Is personality recognizable?

Changes in personality are common red flags that someone may be grappling with a deeper issue. Have you noticed someone behaving out of character? Does the person you know best feel uncharacteristically worried or threatened? Are you getting a sense of paranoia during your visits?

What’s the motivation level?

Loss of initiative can take many forms. Someone in the early stages of Alzheimer’s might start losing interest in their hobbies or favourite activities. You may notice they start declining invitations, or show a seeming lack of interest in friends and family. If you’re noticing this more and more, it’s a symptom worth addressing.

Closing thoughts

A diagnosis like Alzheimer’s disease is a lot. Seeing signs and symptoms arise in someone you love can be scary. But taking action early can help. If something you’re noticing is setting off your internal alarm bells, it’s always better to talk to the doctor. Signs like these can be indicative of many different issues. Take notes, raise your concerns, and get informed. The sooner you do, the better able you’ll be to help your loved one move forward with confidence.

References:

Public Health Agency of Canada

Government of Canada

National Institute on Aging

Mayo Clinic

Alzheimer’s Society Canada

Home Care Assistance

Facebook:

Forgetting the odd name or date can be a typical part of healthy aging. But Alzheimer’s disease – the most common form of dementia – is not. January is Alzheimer’s awareness month and Home Care Assistance Montreal is sharing 10 warning signs we should all familiarize ourselves with to understand the difference, and learn more about how to navigate this disease.

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Knowledge is power – especially where our health is concerned. To help build understanding and awareness, Home Care Assistance Montreal is sharing ten warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease this month. Knowing what to watch for – and what to do if you’re worried – can make a world of difference for anyone navigating this most common form of dementia. [bit.ly]

Caregiver Rx: Taking doctor’s visits from good to great

Knowledge is power, but that doesn’t make a conversation about Alzheimer’s disease any easier. Whether you’re concerned about your own memory loss, or warning signs you’re noticing in a loved one, the quest for answers can sometimes feel daunting. But that’s not a reason to ignore red flags.

More and more, we see the benefits of diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease earlier on. Having accurate information helps you understand exactly what you’re dealing with. It allows you to tap into your support network, or play a more active role in someone else’s. True, too, for using medication effectively, making a treatment plan, and ensuring someone with Alzheimer’s gets the kind of caregiving they need to continue living a full, happy life.

Seeing warning signs is one thing. Taking action and contacting the doctor about your concerns is quite another. Eliminating the fear from both these steps can make a huge difference and help set you and your loved ones on the path to proactively managing Alzheimer’s so it doesn’t manage you.

Keeping these three things in mind as you prepare to raise your concerns at a doctor’s appointment can help:

You can go it alone. But you don’t have to.

Whether you’re worried about signs you’re seeing in yourself or a loved one, teaming up to tackle a doctor’s appointment together is a good thing. When it comes to digesting medical information and planning for the future, two heads are always better than one. On a practical level, having a friend or relative with you during an appointment means you both hear the same information, and will have someone to bounce ideas and questions around with later, as you digest. Even more poignantly, having someone you trust and care about in the room can make an emotional conversation with your physician easier to navigate. Think about who you’d like with you for this important appointment, and bring them into the loop now.

Help paint the picture. Details make a real difference.

Symptoms are important. Being able to explain to the doctor what you or a loved one has been experiencing in detail can do wonders for their ability to reach a diagnosis, and provide guidance. Prep for your appointment by listing out the symptoms that are giving you pause. Think about when the symptoms began, whether they’re becoming worse over time, and any factors that seem to aggravate the situation. With that in mind, take a minute to jot down some broad strokes on general health, too. What else has changed, or is changing? Are there any new medications in play? Have there been big changes or stressors at home? The more insight a physician has into the overall picture of your health, the better able they’ll be to narrow down potential causes – Alzheimer’s or otherwise – and get to the heart of the matter.

Come ready with questions. Be open to answering.

Even on our best days, heading into an appointment with concerns can be nerve-wracking. Writing down your questions in advance can help ease anxiety at the front end, and ensure you’re getting the best possible information on the back end. You don’t want to be dreaming up questions about a condition or diagnosis in real time. That approach can leave you feeling frazzled or uninformed when you leave. Where should you begin? Coming prepared to ask what a diagnosis means, which additional tests might be required, what treatment options exist, which medications are available, what you can expect in terms of disease progression and where you can access resources are all good places to start.

To get as fulsome a view of what to expect as possible, try adding this to the list: What else should I ask that I haven’t? That approach opens the dialogue up further, and enables the doctor to share experiences, anecdotes, and learnings they’ve picked up along the way.

Taking notes and asking for printed materials to take home can tee you up to calmly review information at your own pace, in the comfort of your own home.

Above all: try to be open and honest. Sugar-coating symptoms or downplaying concerns hamper your physician’s ability to figure out what’s really going on. Overcoming fear and aiming to be as transparent as possible in your answers can impact your ability to manage whatever comes your way.

Closing thoughts

When we take down the barriers and open ourselves up to good conversations, we can make the most of any doctor’s appointment. Great dialogue drives better health outcomes by alleviating fear, eliminating misinformation, and empowering patients with facts to use and ideas that may help.

References

Alzheimer’s Society Canada

HealthLink BC

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre

Facebook:

Booking a doctor’s appointment is key if you’re concerned about Alzheimer’s disease or any form of dementia. Making the most of that appointment by prepping in advance can help you dial down the anxiety, and dial up the benefits that true knowledge can bring. We’re offering up three key things to keep in mind as you think through a doctor’s appointment and possible Alzheimer’s assessment.

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Signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease can be scary. Giving those concerns air time with your doctor can empower you with knowledge that helps. Whether you’re worried about signs you’re seeing in yourself or someone you love, prepping for a doctor’s appointment with these three tips in mind can make a difference (bit.ly)