Dementia / Alzheimer's disease
Fifteen to 20 percent of the U. S. elderly are struggling with dementia, Alzheimer's Disease or another behavioral disorder.
While dementia is a gradual loss of memory resulting in confusion and disorientation, Alzheimer's Disease is an actual loss in brain cells beginning with memory and extending into other areas. While best assessed by a professional, some of the most common indicators include:
- Short-term memory loss
- Personality changes
- Behavioral changes
- Loss of abstract thought
- Confusion/disorientation
- Difficulty following instructions
- Difficulty learning/comprehending
- Withdrawal from activities, people
- Low energy
- Hostility