• Short-Term Memory Challenges: Individuals may forget recent conversations, misplace items, or struggle to recall names, leading to frustration and confusion. 

• Difficulty Retaining New Information: Learning new things becomes increasingly difficult, which can hinder social interactions and daily activities. 

• Word-Finding Difficulties: Those with Alzheimer’s disease often struggle to find the right words, making conversations challenging and sometimes leading to misunderstandings. 

• Nonverbal Communication: Changes in body language or facial expressions can make it hard for loved ones to gauge feelings or reactions, complicating interactions. 

• Emotional Fluctuations: Individuals may experience sudden mood swings, becoming agitated, anxious, or withdrawn without clear reasons. 

• Personality Changes: As the disease progresses, familiar personality traits may shift, causing distress for both the individual and their loved ones. 

• Challenges with Routine Tasks: Basic activities such as cooking, bathing, or dressing can become overwhelming, leading to dependency on caregivers for assistance. 

• Disorientation: Confusion about time, place, or familiar environments can lead to anxiety and frustration, impacting confidence and independence. 

• Wandering: Individuals may wander away from home, posing significant safety risks. 

• Home Hazards: Increased forgetfulness can lead to forgetting to turn off appliances, leaving doors unlocked, or other dangerous situations.

6. Social Isolation 

• Withdrawal from Social Activities: As communication and cognitive skills decline, individuals may withdraw from social interactions, leading to feelings of loneliness and isolation. 

• Impact on Relationships: Family and friends may struggle to connect, leading to strained relationships and feelings of helplessness on both sides. 

• Importance of Consistency: Always keep important items like keys, cell phones, and wallets in the same designated location at home. This minimizes confusion and reduces the likelihood of losing these essential items. 

• Visual Cues: Consider labeling the designated spots or using colorful trays to make the location more noticeable. 

• Consult with Healthcare Providers: Talk to your loved one’s doctor about the possibility of simplifying their medication regimen. Combining medications into once-daily dosing can reduce complexity and make it easier for them to remember. 

• Use Pill Organizers: Invest in a weekly pill organizer with clearly marked days to help track doses more effectively. 

• Safety Features: Ensure your loved one carries a cell phone with location services enabled. This allows them to call for help if they get lost and allows family members to track their location if needed. 

• Emergency Contacts: Program important contacts into their phone and teach them how to use the emergency call feature. 

• Daily Calendar or Whiteboard: Keep a calendar or whiteboard in a visible area of the home to outline daily activities. This allows your loved one to see what’s planned and check off tasks as they complete them, fostering a sense of accomplishment. 

• Color Coding: Use different colors for various types of activities (e.g., appointments, leisure time, chores) to make the schedule visually engaging and easy to follow. 

• Valuable Support for Managing Alzheimer's: Participating in Alzheimer’s disease research and investigating potential new treatment options can provide essential assistance in managing your loved one’s condition. 

• Expert Care and Contribution to Advancements: With expert care from physicians and a nurturing environment, this option can enhance their quality of life while contributing to important advancements in Alzheimer's treatment.