10 Signs of Alzheimer's

The definition of Alzheimer's - Memory loss that disrupts daily life may be a symptom of Alzheimer's or another dementia. Alzheimer's is a brain disease that causes a slow decline in memory, thinking and reasoning skills. There are 10 warning signs and symptoms. Every individual may experience one or more of these signs in different degrees.

These are the 10 Signs of Alzheimer's as found on the Alzheimer's Association web site (alz.org).

1. Memory loss that disrupts daily life. One of the most common signs of Alzheimer’s, especially in the early stages, is forgetting recently learned information. Others include forgetting important dates or events; asking for the same information over and over; relying on memory aides (e.g., reminder notes or electronic devices) or family members for things they used to handle on their own. What's typical? Sometimes forgetting names or appointments, but remembering them later.

2. Challenges in planning or solving problems. Some people may experience changes in their ability to develop and follow a plan or work with numbers. They may have trouble following a familiar recipe or keeping track of monthly bills. They may have difficulty concentrating and take much longer to do things than they did before. What's typical? Making occasional errors when balancing a checkbook.

3. 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, managing a budget at work or remembering the rules of a favorite game. What’s typical? Occasionally needing help to use the settings on a microwave or to record a television show.

4. Confusion with time or place. People with Alzheimer's can lose track of dates, seasons and the passage of time. They may have trouble understanding something if it is not happening immediately. Sometimes they may forget where they are or how they got there. What's typical? Getting confused about the day of the week but figuring it out later.

5. Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships. For some people, having vision problems is a sign of Alzheimer's. They may have difficulty reading, judging distance and determining color or contrast. In terms of perception, they may pass a mirror and think someone else is in the room. They may not recognize their own reflection. What's typical? Vision changes related to cataracts.

6. New problems with words in speaking or writing. 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. They may struggle with vocabulary, have problems finding the right word or call things by the wrong name (e.g., calling a watch a "hand clock"). What's typical? Sometimes having trouble finding the right word.

7. Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps. A person with Alzheimer’s disease may put things in unusual places. They may lose things and be unable to go back over their steps to find them again. Sometimes, they may accuse others of stealing. This may occur more frequently over time. What's typical? Misplacing things from time to time, such as a pair of glasses or the remote control.

8. Decreased or poor judgment. People with Alzheimer's may experience changes in judgment or decision making. For example, they may use poor judgment when dealing with money, giving large amounts to telemarketers. They may pay less attention to grooming or keeping themselves clean. What's typical? Making a bad decision once in a while.
 
9. Withdrawal from work or social activities. A person with Alzheimer's may start to remove themselves from hobbies, social activities, work projects or sports. They may have trouble keeping up with a favorite sports team or remembering how to complete a favorite hobby. They may also avoid being social because of the changes they have experienced. What's typical? Sometimes feeling weary of work, family and social obligations.

10. Changes in mood and personality. The mood and personalities of people with Alzheimer's can change. They can become confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful or anxious. They may be easily upset at home, at work, with friends or in places where they are out of their comfort zone. What's typical? Developing very specific ways of doing things and becoming irritable when a routine is disrupted.

If you have questions about any of these warning signs, the Alzheimer’s Association recommends consulting a physician. Early diagnosis provides the best opportunities for treatment, support and future planning.

If you would like to share your story of dealing with Alzheimer's, please do not hesitate to contact me (mjammons@comcast.net). Together, we can "put a face" to Alzheimer's.

The Reagans

Nancy Reagan is my absolute hero.

I found this interesting article about Mr. Reagan's disease - http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2011/feb/3/alzheimers-reagans-long-goodbye/?page=all

This is not about politics. This is not about making a movie. This is one of the many faces of Alzheimer's.

I remember watching an interview one time with Mr. Reagan ... 60 Minutes or something ... they asked him about Nancy. I remember him saying something to the effect that he "missed her as soon as she left the room." That is an amazing statement on their relationship, I think!

Why is Nancy Reagan my hero, you ask? Because she stayed. Through it all, she stayed. To me, that makes Nancy Reagan a remarkable woman. She stayed.

Alzheimer's is a devastating, heartbreaking disease. While most people may have thought about leaving or maybe putting their loved one in a home, and maybe she did, I don't know, but she stayed. Together, while he could, The Reagans brought some attention to Alzheimer's.

In the article I posted above, at the very end, it states that there were days when he didn't know her - she stayed.

If anyone would like to share their personal story of dealing with Alzheimer's, whether it be through care-giving or losing someone, do not hesitate to contact me: mjammons@comcast.net - We can tell your story with pictures, a favorite Bible verse, a poem, a prayer ...

Also, for those dealing with grief for whatever reason, remember we all heal in our own time, in our own way. Grief is as individual as we are. This web site can help - http://grief.com.

This is one of the faces of Alzheimer's. This is one of the faces of the many caretakers. This is the face of an amazing lady who stayed with her husband until the very end.

This is not political. This is not about movies. This is one of the many faces of Alzheimer's.

Nancy

It saddens me to write this. Nancy, my second mom, was born March 27, 1925, and passed on January 2, 2015. She had Alzheimer's. I feel so sad and so full of emptiness. I will miss her always. As selfish as it sounds, I am heartbroken. I have memories I'd love to share.

Like this one - do you remember the really in-depth conversation we had, just me and you, a few months after I first moved down here? I've been thinking on that lately.

And this one - do you remember the time we had Christmas at the house that I bought here in town? It was the first Christmas for me there ... you were there. Clark was there, the kids ... I don't believe we had any "strays" that year. Remember the oven fire? Wow! That sure was something wasn't it? I'm so surprised the house didn't burn down and I didn't have to buy a new stove! I loved having you there.

This picture means so much more to me now than it did. This was taken August 22, 2009, the day before our wedding. Nancy and her daughters, Dale and Lynn, made the trip to California for Randy and I. Mom took this picture and I am so glad she did. This was at a "party," of sorts, at Nancy's previous residence here in town. I loved her like a mom.

April 2010 - I went to Oregon for your birthday/Easter celebration. You were the lady of the day! I remember just sitting on the couch with you, just holding your hand. The kids were all wildly running around like kids do. I said something about this family getting larger. You agreed and told me you couldn't keep up with all of them. I cherish the memory! (This is me, Nancy, and my mom.)

April 2010 - surrounded by the whole family!

April 2010 - See that smile? Always present, always a smile for everyone!

December 2014 - Smiling forever. While I made the choice not to see you while you were sick, I cherish your memory and thank you for letting me be a part of your family. I am sure the emptiness and sadness will subside over time, but I will forever miss you!

If any of you are dealing with a loss, of any form, I found this great web site with the 5 stages of grief and some explanations. There is also a list on this site that has the "right" and "wrong" things to say. If you're like me, you never know what to say! Remember, your grief is as personal as you are - there is no timeline - you heal as best you can in your own time, no one else's. http://grief.com/the-five-stages-of-grief/

If any of you would like to share your story and/or memories of a loved one who is battling or who has lost the battle with Alzheimer's, do not hesitate to contact me. We can write your story with pictures, a favorite Bible verse, a prayer ... mjammons@comcast.net. Let's help "put a face" to Alzheimer's!