June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, which provides an opportunity to learn more about Alzheimer’s disease and how to start a conversation with someone who is showing signs of the disease.
Alzheimer’s disease is an irreversible brain disease that slowly damages memory, the ability to think and, eventually, the ability to carry out daily tasks. Alzheimer’s is also the most common type of dementia, a general term for memory loss and changes to other cognitive abilities and behavior that are severe enough to interfere with daily life.
Warning Signs Symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease can be confused with normal aging, so it’s important to know the difference. For example, sometimes forgetting why you walked into a room is a normal sign of aging, but not recognizing a room in your house may be a warning sign of Alzheimer’s.
Signs of Alzheimer’s disease include: ● Not recognizing your child or a close friend.
● Asking the same question over and over.
● Not recognizing familiar places.
● Putting things in unusual places, such as placing keys in the fridge.
● Having trouble following a conversation.
● Calling familiar things by the wrong name.
● Losing track of dates and seasons.
● Forgetting routine activities, such as paying monthly bills.
Start a Conversation Noticing signs of problems with thinking, memory and behavior in a loved one can be alarming, but don’t ignore them. Early detection and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease can make a big difference in quality of life for both of you.
Starting a conversation about what you’ve noticed is the first thing to do. The Conversation Project and Alzheimer’s WA both offer tips for approaching this discussion: ● Choose a time to have the conversation when you and your loved one aren’t busy or tired.
● Pick a place that is familiar, comfortable and quiet.
● Decide in advance what you’re going to say.
● Keep your words simple, gentle and reassuring.
● Begin by asking if they’ve noticed any differences in their behavior.
● Say you’re concerned and give a few examples why.
● Listen when they express worry about memory loss or difficulty doing usual activities.
● Say “tell me more” to show your concern and that you’re willing to talk about it.
● Encourage them to see a doctor to find out what’s causing memory loss and offer to go with them for support.
● Learn about local resources that can help you understand memory loss and learn ways to talk with your loved one and their doctor.
Find out more about Alzheimer’s disease, ways to start a conversation, and available community resources in Texas at dshs.texas. gov/alzheimers.
