The symptoms of Alzheimer’s are often classified as either cognitive (affecting thinking and memory) or non-cognitive (affecting mood and emotion). Non-cognitive symptoms can be the most difficult to recognize and address, and they’re among the first symptoms of Alzheimer’s.
Difficulty Sleeping
Many seniors with Alzheimer’s have difficulty sleeping, and it’s one of several symptoms, including agitation, confusion, and anxiety, that tend to get worse toward the end of the day. Difficulty sleeping may be due to any number of things, including changes in a senior’s biological clock, a reduced need for sleep, exhaustion, and difficulty distinguishing dreams from reality.
Mood Swings
Many seniors with Alzheimer’s appear anxious and may pace restlessly or become fixated on various things. In addition, many older adults with the disease also have seemingly random mood swings, sometimes going from calm and content to angry or afraid with no warning to family members or in-home caregivers.
Caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s can be overwhelming for family caregivers, and compassionate professional caregivers can provide much-needed support. If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of senior care families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.
Social Withdrawal
Seniors with Alzheimer’s sometimes withdraw from friends and family members, often during the early stages of the disease. Older adults with Alzheimer’s may avoid social activities, hobbies, and gatherings they once enjoyed, often due to depression, embarrassment about changes they’re noticing in themselves, or difficulty remembering how to participate in various pastimes.
Your loved one’s reluctance to interact could make it difficult to know what he or she needs at any given time. Seniors can face a variety of age-related challenges. Though some families choose to take on the caregiving duties, there may come a time when they need a trusted Florence elder care provider. Families sometimes need respite from their duties so they can focus on their other responsibilities, and some seniors need around-the-clock assistance that their families are not able to provide. Assisting Hands Home Care is here to help.
Depression
About 40 percent of seniors with Alzheimer’s experience depression, and it’s often the first symptom of the disease. A study recently found that 30 percent of older adults who have symptoms of depression go on to develop some type of memory impairment.
Childlike Behavior
Many seniors with Alzheimer’s display clingy, childlike behavior referred to as “shadowing.” Seniors who shadow will follow caregivers around, even into bathrooms or closets, when their anxiety and confusion reach high levels.
Aggressive Behavior
Seniors with advanced Alzheimer’s may lash out at caregivers with curses, threats, insults, and acts of physical aggression, such as hitting or biting. Aggressive behavior usually results when someone with Alzheimer’s feels frustrated by his or her present circumstances, has difficulty communicating personal needs, or feels uncomfortable.
For reliable Alzheimer’s care, Florence families can turn to Assisting Hands Home Care. We are a leading provider of professional memory care designed to help seniors maintain a higher quality of life. In addition to Alzheimer’s care, we also provide comprehensive dementia, Parkinson’s, and stroke care. Our compassionate and dedicated caregivers can meet all of your Alzheimer’s care needs. Trust Assisting Hands Home Care of Northern Kentucky to provide high-quality professional care for your loved one. Call one of our friendly Care Managers today at (859) 328-2656.
