There’s nothing more painful than watching your elderly loved one struggle with remembering the most basic things. But when they no longer remember who they are and there is a sudden change in the way they talk and behave, you know there’s a reason for your concern.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 5.8 million elderly Americans have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. By 2050, this number is expected to rise to 14 million.

While most people associate Alzheimer’s with memory loss, there are other warning signs to look out for as well. One of them is a change in personality.

If you’ve noticed a sudden change in the personality of your elderly loved one, here’s what you should look out for:

Sudden Hostility/Aggressiveness

If your elderly loved one is known for being sweet, caring and kind, but have now become suddenly aggressive, it could be a sign of Alzheimer’s. If they can’t remember who you are and suddenly become possessive of their belongings, or certain people (or person), it can be a sign of Alzheimer’s.

Depression and Anxiety

Your elderly loved one is known for being a happy and overall positive person. But lately they’ve become irritated and anxious about everything. They can’t pinpoint what’s causing them anxiety.

Of course, the problem could be caused by a variety of reasons. Certain prescription drugs can also lead to depression and anxiety. It’s best to consult a professional so they can get the help earlier on.

Other Things to Look Out For

Other things you should look out for is:

• Your senior loved one has suddenly become temperamental
• They have stopped caring about things around them
• They keep asking for/about a certain person
• They get irritated or frustrated easily over small things
• They have hallucinations or delusions

Remember that while Alzheimer’s is a memory disorder, it also causes other problems. These are just some of the symptoms you should look out for. Getting your elderly loved one the help they need can prevent the problem from getting worse.

If your loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, placing them into the care of professional caregivers can help them lead a healthier life.

If you’re in need of an assisted living facility in Woodland Hills, CA, that offers comprehensive and compassionate care, contact us at (818) 881-0055. We take immense pride in providing exceptional assisted living services to all our senior care residents.