TSM Photo
TSM Photo
loading...

On Miles for Memory Moment, we've recently talked about some of the warning signs of Alzheimer’s.  Karin Gallagher, of Maplewood of Marshall joined Tim Collins on the 95.3 WBCK Morning Show to talk about  “having problems with words.”

Persons with Alzheimer’s will often repeat themselves.  They will tell you or ask you something and then, a few minutes later, repeat the statement or question not recalling that you’ve already answered them.  They may start a sentence and then totally lose their train of thought and have no idea of how to continue.   Struggling with vocabulary, like not be able to find the right word is another sign.  They may refer to the telephone or the television as “that talking thing” or they may simply draw a blank and ask for help identifying an object.  They may also use a totally unrelated word to describe almost any object or event when the real word eludes them.  They might say, for instance, “Is this my magazine?” when they are actually referring to their coffee cup.  And in the next breath they might say, “I saw the magazine this morning” when what they really saw was the neighbor’s dog.  They might also have a problem with reading or writing – even signing their own name can become a challenge.

We all have typical age-related changes where we draw a blank on someone’s name or can’t think of the name of the restaurant we liked when we went out for breakfast a week ago, but if we find it happening more and more often in a loved one or even yourself, you might want to consider a chat with your doctor.  Remember, early diagnosis is critical to slowing the progression of the disease.

Join "Miles for Memories" on May 5 for a Cinco de Mayo celebration in downtown Battle Creek.  They'll have two bands, dancing, food and beverages.  Fun for the whole family.  Activities start at 2:p.m.

 

Miles for Memories is creating solutions for those impacted by dementia in Calhoun County through movement, programming and research.

More From WBCKFM