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World Alzheimer’s Month: Five Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease and How to Support a Loved One

FRIDAY, MAY 11, 2018

September is World Alzheimer’s Month, a time to raise awareness and support individuals and families affected by Alzheimer’s disease.

Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth leading cause of death in America, accounting for 60 percent to 80 percent of dementia cases. Contrary to popular belief, the disease is not a normal part of aging, although the risk increases with age. While there is currently no cure, treatments can help slow progression and manage symptoms. Researchers continue to study new ways to prevent, diagnose, and treat the disease.

Alzheimer’s affects more than just memory. Here are five common signs of the disease and tips to help you and your loved one cope.

1. Trouble Sleeping

People with Alzheimer’s often experience more difficulty in the evening. Around dinnertime, your loved one may get agitated or worried and start pacing, lashing out, or acting aggressively toward others. This type of restlessness, known as “sundowning,” makes it hard for your loved one to sleep.

Tips to help improve sleep:

  • Limit naps.
  • Try to get your loved one to exercise daily.
  • Limit caffeine consumption.
  • Use nightlights.
  • Plan activities that use more energy during the day.
  • Encourage your loved one to go to sleep at the same time every night.
  • Set a peaceful mood by reducing noise and dimming the lights.

2. Paranoia

Your loved one may believe that others are being unkind, unfair, or dishonest, leading to fear, jealousy, or suspicion. This paranoia is often linked to memory loss. For example, they may believe someone stole an item they misplaced or no longer trust you because they believe you are a stranger. Paranoia can become more frequent as memory loss progresses.

How to respond:

  • Avoid arguing or trying to correct them.
  • Reassure your loved one that he or she is safe.
  • Gently touch him or her to show you care.
  • Try not to react if the person blames you for something.
  • Keep extras of important items just in case they are lost.
  • Distract them with something sentimental like a photograph.

3. Wandering

People with Alzheimer's disease tend to wander away. Knowing how to manage wandering can help keep your loved one safe, reduce the risk of getting lost, and provide peace of mind for you and your family.

Ways to prevent wandering:

  • Make sure your loved one carries identification or a medical bracelet.
  • Let your neighbors and local police know that your family member has Alzheimer’s disease.
  • Keep a recent photo of your loved one in case you need to help the police find them.
  • Keep your doors locked and consider a keyed deadbolt on your front and back doors.
  • Install a system that alerts you when the door opens.

4. Rummaging and Hiding Items

Your loved one may start rummaging through cabinets, closets, drawers, or the refrigerator while looking for something specific, such as food, or simply out of boredom. They may also hide items around the house. Try to stay patient and focus on understanding the reasons behind these behaviors.

Strategies for managing rummaging and hiding:

  • Lock up dangerous or toxic products.
  • Remove spoiled food.
  • Lock up valuable items.
  • Limit access to unused rooms.
  • Identify common hiding spots and check them regularly.
  • Keep all trash cans covered. People with Alzheimer's disease may forget their function and rummage through them.
  • Create a designated place where your loved one can safely rummage and hide items.

5. Intimacy Problems

Intimacy, the special bond we share with those we love and respect, may change as Alzheimer’s affects your loved one’s personality and behavior. This can impact the way we talk and act towards our family, friends, and spouses. A person with Alzheimer’s may get clingy or have trouble expressing or recognizing emotions.

How to support your relationship:

  • Reassure the person that they are loved, safe, and cared for.
  • Talk about your concerns with a support group.
  • Focus on the positive parts of the relationship.
  • Explore new ways of spending time together.

Get Support for Alzheimer’s Disease

Recognizing changes in memory, behavior, or daily routines can be an important first step in getting support.

If you have a loved one with Alzheimer’s who needs medical care, Beebe Healthcare is here to help. Our neurology team provides care for Alzheimer’s disease, memory loss, and other conditions affecting the brain and nervous system. Learn more about Beebe’s neurology services.