9 Symptoms Never to Ignore With Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer’s disease kills brain cells, and as the disease progresses, a person may forget how to get to the bathroom, or lose the ability to un-do a zipper in time to use the toilet. Eventually, people with Alzheimer’s disease lose voluntary control of the bowel and bladder. However, a variety of physical ailments, including urinary tract infections and constipation, can cause incontinence also. So if your loved one is having problems with toileting, tell a physician. A physical exam may identify an underlying medical problem that needs treatment.

People with Alzheimer’s disease sometimes forget to eat. Loss of appetite is also common and can lead to decreased food intake. In the later stages of Alzheimer’s disease, people often have a hard time chewing and swallowing food. If you notice significant weight loss, tell your healthcare provider. A thorough medical exam may reveal an easily treatable problem, such as ill-fitting dentures. Or, the doctor may suggest supplements to bump up their nutritional intake.

Fever can be a sign of infection, dehydration, heat stroke, or constipation. Because people with Alzheimer’s disease often struggle with communication, they may not be able to tell you if they are in pain or uncomfortable. That’s why it’s so important to pay attention to physical signs of distress. If your loved one develops a fever, contact your healthcare provider. A physical exam may be necessary to determine the likely cause of the fever. Then, appropriate treatment can help them feel better.

How can you tell if someone with Alzheimer’s is depressed? It’s difficult. Many of the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease—withdrawal, loss of interest in activities and trouble thinking, for instance—are also common symptoms of depression. But appropriate diagnosis and treatment of depression leads to improved quality of life, so it’s worth mentioning possible symptoms of depression to the doctor. A referral to a geriatric psychiatrist, a doctor who specializes in treating older adults with mental health challenges, may also help.

Some people with Alzheimer’s sleep nearly all day—and are up almost all night. Such changes in sleep habits can be exhausting for caregivers. Your healthcare provider can help you design a daily schedule to help maximize your loved one’s nighttime sleep (and allow you to get the rest you need!). Simple tweaks, such as regular outdoor activity during the daytime and adequate treatment of pain can make a big difference.

The body doesn’t work well when it doesn’t get enough fluid. Too-little fluid intake can cause hallucinations, rapid heart rate, dizziness, and confusion. Because adults with Alzheimer’s disease don’t always recognize thirst as a cue to drink, caregivers must monitor fluid intake. If you notice symptoms of dehydration, including darker-than-normal urine, dry mouth, or skin that ’tents‘ when you pinch it, offer fluids. For a consistently hard time taking in fluids, talk with your healthcare provider. It may be time to introduce thickening agents that turn liquids into semi-solids.

If your loved one hasn’t had a bowel movement in three days, notify your healthcare provider. Constipation is a common complication of Alzheimer’s disease; as people decrease their activity and intake, the regularity of their bowel movements decreases too. Your healthcare provider can check for any underlying medical conditions that could be contributing to constipation, and make recommendations to keep things moving. Occasionally, a stool softener or laxative is necessary to get back on track.

Occasionally, people with Alzheimer’s disease will see, hear, feel, taste or smell something that doesn’t exist, or believe something that isn’t true. These experiences can be terrifying for the person with Alzheimer’s and unsettling for caregivers. Contact your healthcare provider if your loved one experiences delusions or hallucinations. The doctor will conduct a physical exam and check the medication list to see if any regular meds might be causing these strange effects. If so, a medication tweak may be in order. If hallucinations are an ongoing problem, prescription medication may be necessary to control them.

It’s not uncommon for people with Alzheimer’s disease to wander. Some are looking for ’home’ or another destination; others simply begin walking and then become lost, disoriented and confused. Wandering is dangerous for people with Alzheimer’s, and distressing for caregivers. If your loved one is wandering, tell your healthcare provider as soon as possible. Your provider can work with you to develop a plan to keep her safe and secure.