Unreliable judgment
Worried It's Alzheimer's? 8 Symptoms to Watch For: Page 8
Alzheimer's symptom #8: Poor or impaired judgment
- Has the person recently made questionable decisions about money management?
- Has he made odd choices regarding self-care (such as dressing inappropriately for the weather or neglecting to bathe)?
- Is it hard for her to plan ahead (such as figuring out what groceries are needed or where to spend a holiday)?
Difficulty with decision-making can be related to other possible symptoms of Alzheimer's, such as lapses in memory, personality changes, and trouble with abstract thinking. Inappropriate choices are an especially worrisome sign, as your parent may make unsound decisions about his safety, health, or finances.
Many of these Alzheimer's symptoms go unnoticed for a long time. That's because they're often subtle or well concealed by the person (or a spouse), who may be understandably freaked out by the changes he's noticing in his own behavior. Some patterns of behavior take time to make themselves obvious.
If you suspect Alzheimer's, keep track of what you're noticing. Ask others who know your loved one what they think. Encourage the person to see a doctor.
