Well it is almost Fathers Day. Dad was killed in a farming accident 22 years ago so lots of Fathers days have passed without him . But he is missed everyday. It has been 8 months since mom's passing and I have not got used to that yet . I am still trying . And only 3 months till our Alzheimer's Walk. Thought I would stop bugging you for donations right? NOT!! I reached my goal of $100 . Thank you so much. Now I am going for more. $5 goes a long ways guys. Keep it coming. And Thank you again for all your help. __Just click on the Team Hudson picture to your left and go to my walker page. If dad was here we would be going fishing. Fishing was our thing. Before I got married anyway. Seems like when you get married and work there is no time for fishing. Let me tell you if your mom and dad are still with you always make time to go fishing. Nothing better than a day at the lake fishing with your Dad or Mom are if you are real lucky both. I started taking my son fishing when he was little because I wanted him to have the memories of fishing with me I have of dad. Have a great Day all . And since this is an Alzheimer's blog read these signs of Alzheimer's. If anyone of your love ones are showing these signs take them to the doc. the earlier the better.
__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. For more information, go to alz.org/10signs or call 800.272.3900.
