Did you know, November is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month? I often wonder if it is a coincidence that this dreaded disease which affects one in two Americans over the age of 85 is highlighted during the same month as our national holiday Thanksgiving. Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States, well below the leaders of heart disease, cancer and stroke. Yet this disease seems to be the most feared simply because there is no cure for its manifestations, which include dementia.

So, as the holidays quickly approach and you gather with your loved ones to share in the celebration of all that we are thankful for, remember to give thanks to the caregivers in your life. The devoted family members who give the extra time, energy and courtesies to our aging loved ones, the ones who give of themselves unconditionally. The holidays are the perfect opportunity for the children, siblings and other family members to be aware of the growing needs of our aging loved ones.

Here are 10 warning signs for early detection from The Alzheimer’s Association

1. Memory changes that disrupt daily life–sometimes forgetting names or appointments but remembering them later.
2. Challenges in planning or solving problems–difficulty in following a familiar recipe or keeping track of monthly bills.
3. Difficulty performing familiar tasks at home, work or leisure–forgetting their way home from the store, confusion with remote controls or microwave settings.
4. Confusion with time or place – can lose track of dates, seasons and the passage of time.
5. Trouble understanding visual images – they may not recognize their own image in the mirror thinking someone else is in the room.
6. New problems with words in speaking or writing–sometimes having trouble finding the right word or calling things by the wrong one.
7. Misplacing things or losing the ability to trace their steps – continually misplacing glasses or remotes and sometimes accusing others of stealing.
8. Decreased or poor judgment – they may mishandle money or pay less attention to grooming themselves.
9. Withdrawal from work or social activities – starting to remove themselves from hobbies or social gatherings.
10. Changes in mood or personality – developing very specific ways of doing things or becoming irritable when a routine is disrupted.

Finding out that a loved one has Alzheimer’s disease can be stressful, frightening and overwhelming. As a caregiver you must remember to take care of yourself first, stay healthy and strong. Get the support and assistance you will require to maintain a healthy environment for you as well as your loved ones. It is so important not to become burned out from being a caregiver. By getting the right support and assistance you need, whether from a professional service, friend or neighbor, allows you down time, time to take a stroll, go to the movies, out to lunch with a friend.

Whatever brings you peace, relaxation and enjoyment will also benefit your aging loved one. During the upcoming holidays, take a good close look at your aging loved ones and their environment. Are they safe and are their needs being met? Do they need additional assistance, and, if so, how do we go about finding the best solutions and resources? Please keep in mind that we do not want to take our loved one’s dignity away, but empower them with a sense of security through the care we provide for them.

So, let’s remember to give thanks this holiday season to our loved ones and caregivers young and old.

Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving!

Clare Colamaria is the founder of A Senior’s Choice. For answers to your questions or to find the care and support you need, call (518) 424-2527, email Clare at info@aseniorschoiceonline.com or
visit online at www.aseniorschoiceonline.com.