How Is Alzheimer’s Disease Diagnosed?

by Shelley | Jan 9, 2023 | Alzheimer's and Dementia

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the average age in this country has climbed by 3.4 years since 2000. As our population grows older, it only stands to reason that age-related medical issues are on the rise, too. One is Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 6 million people currently live with the disease. That number is projected to soar to 13 million by 2050.

While there is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s, early interventions may help slow the progression of the disease. These interventions make it important for an older adult to be evaluated early if Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia is suspected.

Early Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease

The symptoms of Alzheimer’s extend beyond the memory loss commonly associated with the disease. Other warning signs that might indicate a problem include:

• Developing changes in personality or disposition
• Struggling with insomnia or other chronic sleep problems
• Becoming lost in once familiar places
• Forgetting appointments or important dates
• Having trouble performing tasks that require abstract thought
• Experiencing difficulty with written or verbal communication skills
• Misplacing commonly used items, such as car keys and glasses

If a senior loved one is experiencing more than one of these changes, it might be time to schedule a physical with their primary care physician. It might not be Alzheimer’s disease at all. The changes could be the result of conditions that mimic dementia, like an infection or vitamin deficiency.

Methods to Diagnose Alzheimer’s

After a senior’s doctor has ruled out other potential medical conditions, they might start to consider Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia. Many people are surprised to learn that a test to diagnose this disease does not exist. Instead, diagnosis is a process of identifying symptoms and eliminating other potential causes. The process of testing for Alzheimer’s includes:

• Taking a medical history: If your parent hasn’t been to the doctor in a while, they’ll likely want an updated medical history. They will probably ask questions about health conditions that run in the family, as well as lifestyle choices. Diet, alcohol consumption, smoking, and exercise are a few they’ll want to learn more about. It’s also helpful if you write down the concerning changes you noticed in your family member. Think about how long ago you first noticed symptoms and if they seem to be getting worse.
• Performing a physical exam: The senior’s doctor or medical assistant will take their blood pressure, temperature, and pulse. They might check reflexes, too. The physician will also assess the older adult’s memory and problem-solving skills with a series of questions or problems to solve. These evaluate memory, reasoning, judgment, attention span, and language skills.
• Ordering blood tests: To rule out a thyroid disorder, an infection, or vitamin deficiencies, the doctor will order blood work. They might also order a urine test. Because a number of conditions mimic Alzheimer’s, it’s important to eliminate them before moving on with other testing.
• Screening for depression: Depression is another illness that can present like Alzheimer’s, especially among older people. So much so that it is sometimes referred to as pseudodementia. The physician may conduct a depression screening or refer the older adult to a mental health expert.
• Arranging for brain imaging tests: Brain scans will be ordered. These can show if the brain is shrinking while also looking for other potential causes of the troubling symptoms. A brain aneurysm, tumor, fluid, or stroke are just a few issues that can be detected with imaging.
• Ordering a spinal tap: In 2018, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved biomarker tests for Alzheimer’s disease that have been used with success in Europe. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is collected through a spinal tap and then sent to the lab for evaluation.

Based on their findings, the primary care doctor will determine if the reported symptoms are linked to some form of dementia or if there is another underlying medical issue.

Experts in Dementia Care

While a diagnosis of dementia is difficult to hear, there are options that allow a senior to live a better quality of life. Some families find in-home care to be a helpful short-term solution. Others find a move to an assisted living community that also offers memory care is a better solution.

Heritage Senior Communities offer levels of care for adults at all stages of dementia. We encourage you to call the community nearest you to learn more today!

Recognizing the Early Signs of Alzheimer’s

by Shelley | Dec 27, 2022 | Alzheimer's and Dementia

Dear Donna:

I have an elderly neighbor that we’ve lived next to for over twenty years. She doesn’t have any family left and seems to have outlived most of her friends. My children think of her as a bonus grandmother, and we are all very attached to her.

My husband and I have noticed changes in her over the last year or so. She’s a little forgetful and seems to be misplacing things a lot. While I know these are small changes, I’m concerned they might be signs of a bigger problem. I lost my grandfather to Alzheimer’s disease many years ago, and I’m worried this might be the issue with my neighbor.

Are these early signs of Alzheimer’s disease? I’m trying to decide if I should convince her to let me bring her to a doctor. It might be a tough topic to tackle with her, so I’m not sure how to proceed.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Sincerely,

Rory in Williamsburg, MI

Is It Alzheimer’s Disease?

Dear Rory:

We all misplace things from time to time. The car keys. Our favorite pair of shoes. The television remote. It’s usually not anything to worry about. When memory loss begins to impact daily life, however, it can be a sign of something more serious.

While many people associate Alzheimer’s disease with memory loss and forgetfulness, other symptoms of the disease aren’t as well known.

• Mismanaging finances: This common early warning sign is often missed. Someone with undiagnosed Alzheimer’s may pay one bill multiple times while neglecting to pay others. The disease also puts a senior at increased risk for scams and identity theft.
• Difficulty communicating: Another change early Alzheimer’s can cause is difficulty communicating. A loss of verbal skills or problems with written communication are two examples. Seniors might also call objects by the wrong name or have problems maintaining a conversation.
• Loss of abstract thought: Another red flag is when a senior begins struggling with routine multi-step tasks or errands that require abstract thought. These include writing out checks, creating a grocery list, or preparing meals.
• Change in disposition: A sudden change in personality is another sign to take seriously. For example, a gregarious senior becoming ill-tempered or suspicious. They may be struggling with a difficult personal issue, but it can also be an early sign of Alzheimer’s.
• Withdrawing from friends: When someone first suspects they have a problem, it might be hard to admit. Embarrassment or the fear of being “discovered” can cause them to isolate from friends. They may even stop attending religious services and withdraw from favorite hobbies.
• Getting lost: An older driver who has Alzheimer’s disease might get lost going to or from familiar places. If you notice that your next-door neighbor’s errands seem to be taking longer than they should or if she seems flustered after an outing, you might want to have a gentle discussion about it.

I hope this information is helpful to you, Rory! Please call the Heritage community nearest you if you have any questions!

Kind regards,

Donna

Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care at Heritage Senior Communities

Finding care for a loved one with a memory impairment requires thoughtful research and planning. If your search for dementia care includes Michigan, we encourage you to consider Heritage Senior Communities. From specialty caregivers to unique meals, The Terrace memory care is designed to help older adults live their best quality of life despite their disease.

Call the Heritage dementia care community nearest you to schedule a private tour today!

Navigating the Time Change When a Senior Has Dementia

by Shelley | Oct 26, 2022 | Alzheimer's and Dementia

Dear Donna:

My mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease a few years ago. Over the last year or so she has started experiencing sundowner’s syndrome. It has gotten worse recently, and she often tries to exit our house on her own when she is agitated.

When we changed our clocks last spring for daylight saving time, I noticed my mom’s sundowning worsened. I think it was because it stayed light outside for so much longer. It was so difficult to get her to wind down and go to sleep for months after we set our clocks ahead.

As we are heading toward the end of daylight saving time, I’m wondering what to expect now that it will get dark earlier. Is there anything I can do to make this transition go more smoothly?

Any suggestions are greatly appreciated!

Sincerely,

Cindy in Saginaw, MI

The Impact of the Time Change on Alzheimer’s

Dear Cindy:

Good observation! We don’t talk about this issue enough. As you’ve already discovered, a routine is essential for adults with memory impairment. Changes in their daily schedule, including time changes, can be disruptive and lead to anxiety, restlessness, and agitation. We’ve witnessed it in the memory care neighborhoods at Heritage Senior Communities. In response, we’ve taken steps to try to minimize the impact of the time change every six months.

One is that Alzheimer’s disease disrupts the body’s circadian rhythm. So, it makes sense that the time change could exacerbate the behaviors associated with sundowner’s syndrome. A few ideas to try to help minimize sundowning symptoms all year long, including during time changes, are:

• Control the interior lighting: One suggestion is to control the lighting inside your home. If you are trying to prevent your loved one from falling asleep or going to bed too early, close the blinds and turn all of the lights on inside. It might help trick the body into thinking it’s still daytime. This may also help decrease agitation and pacing, which are common among adults with Alzheimer’s during the evenings.
• Structure the day carefully: When you are caring for a family member with Alzheimer’s, how you plan your day is important. If you notice your mom gets tired and falls asleep in the late afternoon, rethink how you are structuring the day. It might be better to schedule appointments and activity for morning, so you can avoid late-day naps that might make bedtime more challenging. A quick nap earlier in the day might be better.
• Get regular exercise: Physical fitness activities are good for the body, mind, and soul. For adults with Alzheimer’s, it is also useful for preventing or reducing the agitation and anxiety commonly associated with the disease. It may help your mom feel more relaxed and comfortable throughout the day, reducing the incidences of sundowning. Try taking a 15-minute walk in the morning and doing some gentle stretching in the afternoon. Both are good for older adults and their caregivers!

I hope these tips provide you with some ideas to make the time change go more smoothly!

Kind regards,

Donna

Bookmark the Heritage Blog

We know caregivers are always searching for information and resources to help them support a senior loved one. That’s why we encourage you to bookmark this blog and stop back often. We share new articles each week on topics ranging from evaluating a senior living community to creating meaningful days for an adult with dementia.

Tips for Connecting with a Loved One Who Has Alzheimer’s

by Shelley | Sep 19, 2022 | Alzheimer's and Dementia

Dear Donna:

My grandmother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease several years ago. At first the changes were small and easy to navigate. She was a little forgetful, so we learned to write everything down for her. She also had trouble with tasks like writing checks and grocery lists. Between my mom and I, we were able to cover those challenges.

In the last year, however, my grandma’s disease has advanced and it’s tough to communicate with her. She’s always been an important part of my life, and I need to find ways to maintain our connection. I believe she needs it too.

Do you have any tips to make communication easier? I don’t want to overwhelm her with constant chattering, but I do want to help her feel wanted and needed.

Sincerely,

Mary in Williamsburg, MI

Tips for Communicating with a Senior Who Has Alzheimer’s

Dear Mary:

This comes up often when I’m helping families who have a loved one with Alzheimer’s in their search for specialized dementia care. Both written and verbal communication skills are impacted by the disease, sometimes even in the early stages. It’s frustrating for the senior and those who love them.

I can offer a few tips that might make it easier for you to have a nice conversation with your grandmother:

• Control the environment: Find a quiet, calm place for the two of you during your visits. Adults with Alzheimer’s often have trouble processing an overly hectic environment. Many struggle to concentrate when their environment is loud or busy, and that can lead to anxiety and agitation. Sit together in a quiet corner. Turn the television off.
• Stay positive: While it can be difficult to witness the changes Alzheimer’s causes in a loved one, do your best to stay positive. Be mindful of your expressions and body language. Try to smile and project a cheerful disposition.
• Be patient: If your grandmother still has some verbal skills but takes a little longer to get words out, be patient and don’t interrupt. Don’t rush her or talk over her. If it becomes obvious that she needs a little prompting to avoid getting too upset, do so in a kind, conversational way. Resist the urge to take over completely.
• Talk slowly: Many of us speak too quickly or use a lot of slang in our language. For someone with memory impairment, that can be difficult to understand. Try to slow down and speak clearly. Keep sentences brief. These all make it easier for a person with Alzheimer’s to follow along with the conversation.

I hope these tips help you, Mary. Please feel free to contact the nearest Heritage community if you have more questions or to learn more about specialized dementia care.

Kind regards,

Donna

Addressing Common Myths about Alzheimer’s

by Shelley | Aug 22, 2022 | Alzheimer's and Dementia

Most people have heard of Alzheimer’s, but many only know that it causes memory loss. While memory is impacted by this disease, it’s much more complex than that. It can cause a variety of challenges, including behaviors like wandering that can put a senior’s safety at risk.

Understanding how to separate fact from fiction about Alzheimer’s is important, especially for adult children caring for aging parents. Here are a few misconceptions about this disease.

Alzheimer’s MythBusters

#1: Alzheimer’s isn’t all that common.

False: According to Alzheimer’s Association research, just under 11% of the population age 65 and older has Alzheimer’s. By the age of 85, the percentage climbs to just over 33%.

#2: Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are the same disease.

False: Alzheimer’s is just one of many different types of dementia. It is, however, the most common form. Estimates are that it accounts for 60 to 80% of all dementia diagnoses.

#3: Alzheimer’s is hereditary.

True and False: If you’ve watched a senior loved one struggle with Alzheimer’s, it’s understandable that you would worry about potential genetic links to the disease. Though no one knows the exact cause of Alzheimer’s, the disease isn’t considered hereditary, with the exception of early-onset Alzheimer’s. Scientists do believe genes may play a role. If your parent or sibling has Alzheimer’s disease, your risk is three times greater than someone without a family history. It’s unknown if that is due to shared lifestyle factors or something else.

Early-onset Alzheimer’s does have a strong hereditary component. Research shows family history is the only known risk factor for this type of the disease.

#4: Alzheimer’s only affects the brain.

False: As a neurodegenerative disease, Alzheimer’s impacts the entire body. As the disease progresses, symptoms can include memory loss, impaired judgement, vision changes, loss of mobility, and a decline in verbal skills.

#5: Only older people develop Alzheimer’s.

False: While age does increase the risk, this disease can occur at younger ages. Early-onset, for example, can begin to develop when people are in their 30s and 40s.

#6: No one knows what causes the disease.

True: Unfortunately, researchers haven’t been able to determine what causes Alzheimer’s despite decades of hard work. Recently, a growing amount of evidence seems to show that lifestyle might play a role. By eating a well-balanced diet and exercising regularly, you may be able to lower the odds of developing Alzheimer’s. Not smoking is another way researchers think people can reduce their risk.

Memory Care Supports Quality of Life

When a family member is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, loved ones often assume their elder can no longer enjoy a good quality of life. At Heritage Senior Communities, our specialized dementia care program helps seniors with dementia live their best quality of life at every stage of the disease. By utilizing a person-centered approach to care, team members help residents with dementia work with their remaining abilities instead of focusing on those they’ve lost.

Call the community nearest you to learn more about dementia care at Heritage Senior Communities!