Rotary Club of St. Maarten brings to the public of St. Maarten another article on Alzheimer’s. This time the focus is on Symptoms of Alzheimer’s which can develop gradually.
If a person is physically healthy, it is easy to ignore unusual behaviour. Below is a memory checklist that can be filled in if you are concerned about yourself or someone close to you. This is meant as a simple guide. If you answer ‘yes’ to five or more questions, it might be useful to seek advice from a GP.
NO YES
1. Does the person often repeat themselves or ask the same question repeatedly?
2. Is the person more forgetful or having difficulty with short-term memory?
3. Does the person need reminders to do daily tasks, such as shopping or taking medication?
4. Does the person forget appointments, family occasions or holidays?
5. Does the person seem sad, down in the dumps or cry more often than in the past?
6. Is the person having trouble doing calculations or managing their money?
7. Has the person lost interest in their usual activities and hobbies, i.e. reading, watching/listening to the news or other social activities?
8. Does the person need help eating, dressing, bathing or using the bathroom?
9. Has the person become more irritable, agitated, suspicious or started seeing, hearing or believing things that are not real?
10. Do you have concerns in relation to their safety when driving?
11. Does the person have trouble finding words they want to say; do you find yourself finishing sentences or naming people or things on their behalf?
Calculate your Score
The information in this article was found on www.helpguide.com. This checklist can be completed on line as well.
In our following publication we will provide will start with a series on "Caring for Alzheimer’s"
For more information please contact the St. Maarten Alzheimer’s Foundation on HOTLINE 9220 or alzheimersxm@gmail.com.To support the campaign please contact any member of the Rotary Club of St. Maarten or The St. Maarten Alzheimer’s Foundation.