June is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month … Be Aware of These 10 Early Signs and Symptoms

Today one in 10 people over the age of 65 has Alzheimer's dementia and it is estimated 5.5 million Americans are living with the disease, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. By 2050, it is estimated this number could rise as high as 16 million.

“Living with Alzheimer’s at any phase can be challenging,” Mary Swip, director of sales and marketing at Stonecrest at Clayton View said. As a case manager, Swip has counseled numerous families through the
decision-making process to care for those with Alzheimer’s. “As the disease progresses, people require additional resources which may include exploring residential care. As one of the leading providers
of memory-care solutions in the St. Louis area, our staff is skilled at working with each individual and their families to determine a customized approach to their care and to help them live their most vibrant life.”

Following are 10 early warning signs and symptoms which the Alzheimer’s Association states can indicate a loved one may have a decline in memory due to the disease:

1. Memory loss that disrupts daily life
2. Challenges in planning or solving
3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work or at leisure
4. Confusion with time or place
5. Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships
6. New problems with words in speaking or writing
7. Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps
8. Decreased or poor judgment
9. Withdrawal from work or social activities
10. Changes in mood and personality

Stonecrest at Clayton View's “Generations Memory Care” program has been designed for the specific needs of those with memory loss and person-centered care is at the core of its program. Partnering with family members and care providers, Stonecrest’s staff develops a framework that supports the individual, physical, emotional and spiritual needs of its memory-impaired residents.