Warning Signs of Alzheimer's or Dementia 

• Communication - Difficulty communicating with others or not being able to find the right word or forgetting conversations.
• Lack of problem-solving skills such as managing finances, following recipes, or making plans
• Changes in mood such as mood swings or erratic behavior.
• Challenging behaviors, acting out, becoming combative and/or abusive.
• Forgetfulness such as how to get to local stores, a loved one’s home, or hiding/losing items in the house.
• Lack of judgement can put your loved one at risk. This can include spatial awareness, driving to close or too far from other cars, or doing an activity they shouldn’t be doing.
• Normal tasks are not easy to perform any more such as working on a computer, mowing the lawn, cleaning the house, driving a car, reading, or writing, etc.
• Sleeping more often during the day and possibly up at night.
• Isolating one’s self due to being aware of change in memory.

If you or your loved one experiences any of the above it is imperative that you consult a professional. Your general practitioner can run tests to see if the memory loss is due to medications, a urinary tract infection, or some other medical issues. A neuropsychologist or neurologist can evaluate the brain function and help you figure out what is causing memory loss.

Elderwerks help families find local resources to help keep persons living with dementia safe at home, or navigate all the senior housing options that are best suited for them. Contact Elderwerks for your free information, referrals, and guidance today. Elderwerks Educational Services: 251 E. Northwest Highway, Palatine, IL 60067: 855.462.0100, or www.elderwerks.org.