Old Age or Not?

I was touring a couple the other day, it was an adult child and his wife looking for his parents. As we started to talk about the needs of each of his parents his wife added that the mother was having some memory issues. The husband became very defensive. Adding that it was just a part of old age. I thought he could really use some education about Alzheimer's. Sometimes it is just the aging process and sometimes it's not. Below is a list I have download from www.alz.org this is the official site of the Alzhiemer's Assoc. There is so much information available to you. One bit of information that helped me over years is, when I first started working in senior care our nurse was talking about a resident that was having some confusion. It wasn't normal for this woman. She stated she was going to have a urine check done because it might be a UTI (urinary tract infection). I asked her what does that have to do with anything. She educated me that seniors with UTI's can show signs of ALZ. Over the years I can't tell you how many residents have had a UTI and onset confusion and after a round of antibiotics they are back to their selves. I hope this helps and please utilize the ALZ Association they have a great staff to help with any questions or resources.

Memory loss.
Forgetting recently learned information is one of the most common early signs of dementia. A person begins to forget more often and is unable to recall the information later.
What's normal? Forgetting names or appointments occasionally.

Difficulty performing familiar tasks.
People with dementia often find it hard to plan or complete everyday tasks. Individuals may lose track of the steps to prepare a meal, place a telephone call or play a game.
What's normal? Occasionally forgetting why you came into a room or what you planned to say.

Problems with language.
People with Alzheimer's disease often forget simple words or substitute unusual words, making their speech or writing hard to understand. They may be unable to find their toothbrush, for example, and instead ask for "that thing for my mouth."
What's normal? Sometimes having trouble finding the right word.

Disorientation to time and place.
People with Alzheimer's disease can become lost in their own neighborhoods, forget where they are and how they got there, and not know how to get back home.
What's normal? Forgetting the day of the week or where you were going.

Poor or decreased judgment.
Those with Alzheimer's may dress inappropriately, wearing several layers on a warm day or little clothing in the cold. They may show poor judgment about money, like giving away large sums to telemarketers.
What's normal? Making a questionable or debatable decision from time to time.

Problems with abstract thinking.
Someone with Alzheimer's disease may have unusual difficulty performing complex mental tasks, like forgetting what numbers are and how they should be used.
What's normal? Finding it challenging to balance a checkbook.

Misplacing things.
A person with Alzheimer's disease may put things in unusual places: an iron in the freezer or a wristwatch in the sugar bowl.
What's normal? Misplacing keys or a wallet temporarily.

Changes in mood or behavior.
Someone with Alzheimer's disease may show rapid mood swings – from calm to tears to anger – for no apparent reason.
What's normal? Occasionally feeling sad or moody.

Changes in personality.
The personalities of people with dementia can change dramatically. They may become extremely confused, suspicious, fearful or dependent on a family member.
What's normal? People’s personalities do change somewhat with age.

Loss of initiative.
A person with Alzheimer's disease may become very passive, sitting in front of the TV for hours, sleeping more than usual or not wanting to do usual activities.
What's normal? Sometimes feeling weary of work or social obligations