Alzheimer's and Inability to Complete Tasks in Oakbrook, IL
Early Onset Alzheimer's Can Make Everyday Life Difficult
Jack has been caring for his 82-year-old mother, Mary, for a few years now. Before, he only helped her with small tasks, like reaching the top cupboard shelf or helping organize doctor's appointments. But recently, Mom has needed even more help. When Jack drove Mom to the bank the other day, she had lots of trouble with the ATM machine. First, she fumbled through her wallet to find the correct card, even though it was right in front. When she finally got the card into the slot, she didn't know what to do next. Luckily, Jack had her PIN number memorized and was able to help her get cash out. This is the third time Mom has struggled with the ATM, and Jack tells her that next time, she should go straight to the teller.
Why Alzheimer's Makes It Take Longer to Complete Normal Tasks
The more Jack thinks about it, it's been taking Mom a lot longer than normal to complete most everyday tasks. The next time she visits the doctor, he asks about it. The doctor says that Alzheimer's and the
inability to complete tasks are often connected. He puts it this way—when we're young, we learn to do everything from walk to tie our shows. That learning is stored in the brain, which remembers the process of doing those things. But as Alzheimer's sets in, those connections in the brain start to break down. An adult living with dementia might forget a few steps in a process, or certain words might slip their mind. As the condition progresses, dementia and Alzheimer's cause individuals to take longer to complete normal tasks. But with treatment and help from a professional, these people can continue to lead fulfilling lives.
Tasks That May Become a Challenge
Early onset Alzheimer's can look different for everyone. For Mary, operating simple machines has become a very difficult task. But Jack knows that ATM might just be the tip of the iceberg. After doing some online research and asking friends with older parents, he notes that
these tasks might become challenging as well:
- Cooking meals
- Playing games
- Dressing
- Bathing
- Any activity that requires completing steps
Seeking Help When You Need It
Jack believes he's seeing the early signs of Alzheimer's in his mother and has taken steps to get her the care she needs. If you're a family caregiver for someone with Alzheimer's, don't hesitate to seek help from the team at BrightStar Care. Our Oakbrook, IL location offers an array of services, from
personal care to
skilled nursing. Let us help you help others—contact us today.
- Alzheimer's Research UK
- Mayo Clinic
