Every senior citizen and their close family members should know what the symptoms are for Alzheimer ’s Disease. The disease itself is devastating to the victim and his family and the sooner the disease is diagnosed, the quicker that medications can be prescribed to slow the onslaught and buy more quality time with the person afflicted with the disease.

Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease include more than merely losing your car keys once in a while or forgetting where you put your glasses. Alzheimer’s victims suffer memory loss because of destroyed brain cells, and every aspect of the person’s life may be affected, including work, socialization and unusual or bizarre behavior.

In the early stages of Alzheimer’s Disease, problems with concentration, memory and thinking clearly might signify that a test for the disease is in order. You might also notice that a person in the beginning stages needs a minimal amount of help with simple tasks and routines such as doing dishes or cooking a meal. He may get lost in areas that are familiar to him and confused about the day and time.

Later symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease may include trouble in making judgments, even for trivial decision-making or the victim’s speech may undergo change such as slurring or beginning sentences that are never finished. As the disease progresses and more brain cells die, these conditions will become worse.

Although there is yet no cure for Alzheimer’s Disease and no single test that can pinpoint a diagnosis, there are early tests that can determine if this disease is the likely culprit for the symptoms or if there are other reasons for the memory and skill loss. Your health care provider will probably begin with simple tests that check your memory and other mental abilities. She’ll also want to know your medical history, including any injuries, surgeries or illnesses and how you’re accomplishing certain daily tasks.

Medication history is also part of any medical examination that seeks to detect or reject the possibility of Alzheimer’s. Side effects from overdosing or combining certain medications with others are common causes of memory loss and confusion.

A neurological exam may also be ordered by your health care provider. This will include tests for coordination, movement, walking and sensory functioning and may show problems with the nervous system that are causing thinking and behavior problems.

If you’re seeking assistance for yourself or a loved one and suspect that Alzheimer’s Disease may be the cause of problems you’re experiencing, go to your primary health care provider first. There are currently no doctors who specialize specifically in the disease, but your primary provider should be able to order tests and refer you to specialists.

People wanting to learn more are encouraged to visit the company website and pick up a copy of their free report “Critical Questions You Must Ask Before You Hire a Home Care Provider,” Visit, http://FirstatOfSanDiego.com

Keyword: Home Nursing El Cajon

About Firstat Nursing Services Linnea Goodrich is the owner of Firstat Nursing Services, which is the only Home care Agency in San Diego that is both State licensed and certified by the Alzheimer’s Association. Firstat Nursing Services has been providing a higher standard of home nursing, home health and home care services for elderly, disabled and injured people in the greater San Diego area since 1997. To pick up a copy of her free report “Critical Questions You Must Ask Before You Hire a Home Care Provider,” Visit, http://FirstatOfSanDiego.com