When an elderly parent starts having trouble with memory, the family automatically think its Alzheimer's disease. The concerns are valid. Alzheimer's usually begins after age 60 and nearly half of people age 85 and older may have Alzheimer’s, according to the National Institute on Aging. However, only a doctor can diagnose Alzheimer's, and there are some other diseases or conditions that may cause Alzheimer's-like symptoms.
If you suspect your parent has Alzheimer's, here are some warning signs to look for:
Trouble remembering recent events and names
One of the most common signs of Alzheimer's is memory loss. Mostly, forgetting recently learned information. Others include forgetting important dates or events or asking for the same information over and over. Or they may forget the names of people close to them, such as family members.
Difficulty with simple math problems
People in the early stages of Alzheimer's may have difficulty working with numbers, including simple math problems. Some people may experience changes in their ability to develop and follow a plan or work with numbers. They may have trouble keeping track of monthly bills.
Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work or at leisure
People with Alzheimer's often find it hard to complete daily tasks. Sometimes, people may have trouble driving to a familiar location, remembering the rules of a favorite game or following a familiar recipe. They may start relying on family members for things they used to handle on their own. They may have difficulty concentrating and take much longer to do things than they did before.
Language problems
Alzheimer’s sufferers can have problems with language, including forgetting everyday simple words or finding the right words. They may swap words with unusual ones. For example calling “spectacles” "those things for my eyes” or calling a "watch" a "hand-clock." Alzheimer’s disease can also affect a person’s writing skills. Writing and reading becomes disjointed or incoherent to the eye. People with Alzheimer's may have trouble following or joining a conversation. They may stop in the middle of a conversation and have no idea how to continue or they may repeat themselves.
Confusion with time or place
People with Alzheimer's may have trouble understanding something if it is not happening immediately. Sometimes they may forget where they are or how they got there.