I have been so busy and stressed out lately and am often misplacing things. Is that a warning sign of Alzheimer’s?
Jacqueline Marcell
One of the ten warning signs of Alzheimer’s is not only misplacing things, but finding them in odd places where you don’t remember putting them, is. We all misplace our keys, but have you ever found them in the microwave—someplace you would have never put them? That’s the difference.
My father misplaced all kinds of things that I would eventually find in odd places. One time he put the pencil sharpener and stapler in his accordion case and then emphatically denied he did it. I didn’t understand dementia yet and what was starting to happen to him--so I just thought he was trying to drive me crazy!
Also, you mention that you have been busy and under a lot of stress, which could account for your being distracted with so much on your mind. Print out these warning signs below and keep track of any you notice in yourself. If you record numerous examples, ask your doctor for a Mini Mental State Exam to begin the evaluation.
The Alzheimer's Association's Warning Signs of Alzheimer's:
- Memory loss
- Difficulty performing familiar tasks
- Problems with language
- Disorientation to time and place
- Poor or decreased judgment
- Problems with abstract thinking
- Misplacing things
- Changes in mood or behavior
- Changes in personality
- Loss of initiative
Jacqueline Marcell is a former television executive who was so compelled by caring for her elderly parents (both with early Alzheimer’s not diagnosed for over a year) she wrote “Elder Rage”, a Book-of-the-Month Club selection being considered for a film. She is also an International speaker on eldercare and host of the popular Internet radio program “Coping With Caregiving.” To learn more about Jacqueline see: www.ElderRage.com.