How to Spot the Early Signs of Alzheimer’s

In 2017, it was estimated that 5.5 million Americans were living with Alzheimer’s disease, with 5.3 million being 65 or older, and it’s now the sixth leading cause of death in the nation. People often associate Alzheimer’s with memory loss. Indeed, memory loss is commonly attributed to Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, but caregivers can look out for other signs.

For reliable Alzheimer’s care, families can turn to Companioa by IOA. We are a leading provider of professional memory care designed to help seniors maintain a higher quality of life. In addition to Alzheimer’s care, we also provide comprehensive dementia care. From our revolutionary care programs to our compassionate and dedicated caregivers, we can meet all of your Alzheimer’s care needs.

Cognitive & Memory Issues

Some typical Alzheimer’s cognition-related signs include:

  • Forgetting recently acquired information, dates or events, or names, heavy reliance on notes and smartphone reminders, and asking the same questions over and over
  • Difficulty with planning or problem-solving (e.g., difficulty working with numbers, recipes, or monthly bills)
  • Challenges with completing daily tasks, such as managing a budget or driving to familiar places
  • Losing track of dates, seasons, and the general passage of time
  • Misplacing items and an inability to retrace steps
  • Difficulty speaking or writing words, joining a conversation, or finding the right words

For high-quality dementia and Alzheimer’s care, reach out to Companioa by IOA. Our compassionate caregivers are specially trained and certified in dementia care, and we use revolutionary memory care programs to help seniors slow the progression of dementia. In addition, our state-of-the-art Adult Day program, which is specifically designed for individuals living with Alzheimer’s or dementia, provides social engagement, a wide variety of cognitively stimulating activities, and group exercises. 

Other Signs to Watch For

  • Visual challenges – Vision problems can be issues warranting help. They can originate from within the brain, causing difficulties with reading, driving, seeing color contrasts, or judging distance.
  • Changes in judgment – Decreasing or poor judgment affects decision-making. Signs include giving away large amounts of money or poor personal grooming.
  • Withdrawal – A person may seemingly lose interest in daily activities, socializing, sports, or hobbies or avoid situations due to recent changes.
  • Personality/mood changes – A senior may be frequently confused, depressed, suspicious, or fearful. The individual may be out of sorts when not in his or her comfort zone. 


Alzheimer’s can be challenging for seniors to manage without assistance, and it can be just as challenging for families who don’t have experience in providing Alzheimer’s care. Companioa by IOA provides Alzheimer’s home care seniors and their families can depend on. From specialized in-home dementia care to our Adult Day program and the elevated level of support available with our Concierge Client Care service, our programs are designed to help seniors with Alzheimer’s and other memory-related conditions live happier and healthier lives. To create a comprehensive care plan for your parent, give us a call at (415) 750-4111 today. 

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