Author: HairWeavings Editorial Team

We’re not sure we’d be saying that in his position.

Many women over the age of 60 express concerns about the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Will it affect me someday? Or will it affect someone I love? What are the signs I should watch for?

You’ve probably seen the list of 10 Warning Signs from the Alzheimer’s Association. But did you know that researchers are discovering more unusual early signs of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia?

Read more: Abstract Thinking and Dementia: 4 Exercises to Keep Your Brain Fit as You Age.

Changes in Balance or Gait

Studies done in both the United States and France reveal that frequent falls may be an early sign of Alzheimer’s disease.

The studies looked at people who otherwise appeared healthy but displayed Alzheimer’s-related lesions in their brains. Their fall rate proved to be more than twice that of the average person their age.

Interestingly, studies also revealed that a decline in walking speed may indicate early Alzheimer’s dementia. This conclusion was reached after ruling out other possible causes such as arthritis or muscle weakness.

Read more about balance HOW SHOULD IT FEEL WHEN YOU DO BALANCE EXERCISES?

Decreased Sense of Smell

Multiple research studies suggest a link between Alzheimer’s disease and difficulty identifying certain odors. This makes sense because the part of the brain associated with smell is one of the first areas affected by Alzheimer’s disease.

While the scents used in each study varied, some of the most common were peanut butter, peppermint, coffee, orange, and leather.

Scientists are hopeful that someday a simple sniff test could provide an inexpensive and noninvasive test for Alzheimer’s disease. For now, it may be used as part of a battery of several tests to screen for early signs of Alzheimer’s.

Changes in Sense of Taste

As Alzheimer’s disease affects the part of the brain involved with taste, people often experience changes in their food preferences. This, in turn, can lead to changes in appetite and weight.

Some people show increased cravings for sweets. Others lose interest in their favorite foods resulting in weight loss. There are even situations where people don’t recognize that food is spoiled, or they consume substances that are inedible.

Unusual Social Responses

People experiencing early Alzheimer’s disease may display long periods of staring into space. This is also common with another form of dementia known as dementia with Lewy bodies.

More recently, researchers discovered that people with a condition called frontotemporal dementia often have difficulty recognizing when other people tell lies or display sarcasm during conversations. This is due to damage to the area of the brain that controls judgment.

Visual or Spatial Difficulties

Some individuals in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease may experience challenges with visual or spatial understanding. This could manifest as difficulty judging distances, trouble reading, or misinterpreting visual cues such as reflections or patterns. These challenges often go unnoticed but can lead to accidents or confusion in unfamiliar environments.

Sleep Disturbances

Disrupted sleep patterns are another potential early indicator of Alzheimer’s disease. People may experience insomnia, excessive daytime sleepiness, or changes in their sleep-wake cycle. Sleep disturbances may also include vivid dreams or restless leg syndrome, which can further contribute to cognitive difficulties.

What to Do if You See These Signs

No one wants to consider that a loved one might be developing Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia. Yet, it’s important not to ignore these early warning signs.

The good news is that there are many other conditions that can cause these changes, and many of them are reversible. This includes medication side effects, certain vitamin deficiencies, and infections.

Your first step is to contact your medical provider who will do simple screening tests and provide referrals as needed. Even if it does prove to be dementia, early diagnosis and treatment often lead to an improved quality of life.

Read more: It’s Not Dementia! 5 Factors That Contribute to Forgetfulness.

FAQ

1. Can these unusual signs of dementia be caused by other conditions?

Yes, many of these signs can be caused by other factors, such as vitamin deficiencies, medication side effects, or infections. A medical professional can help identify the root cause.

2. Are these signs reversible?

If the symptoms are due to reversible conditions, such as vitamin deficiencies or medication side effects, they can often be treated. However, if they are due to dementia, early intervention may help improve quality of life.

3. How can caregivers support someone experiencing these signs?

Caregivers can support loved ones by monitoring symptoms, seeking medical advice, and ensuring a safe and supportive environment. Joining caregiver support groups can also provide valuable resources and community.

4. When should I consult a doctor?

If you or a loved one experiences persistent changes in balance, smell, taste, social responses, or other unusual symptoms, it’s important to consult a doctor promptly.

5. Are there any lifestyle changes that can reduce the risk of dementia?

While there’s no guaranteed way to prevent dementia, maintaining a healthy lifestyle that includes regular physical activity, a balanced diet, and mental stimulation may help lower the risk.

6. Is dementia hereditary?

While family history can increase your risk, it doesn’t mean you will develop dementia. Many people with no family history are diagnosed, and some with a family history never develop it.

7. Can early signs of dementia fluctuate from day to day?

Yes. Symptoms may appear worse on some days than others, especially when a person is tired, stressed, or ill. These fluctuations are often part of the early stages.

8. Are there screening tools I can use at home?

There are a few basic self-assessment tools and memory quizzes available online, but they are not diagnostic. A comprehensive evaluation by a medical professional is always best.

Read more:Your Loved One Was Diagnosed with Dementia: How to Take Care of You.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Which of these early signs of dementia has you most concerned? Which ones do you think would be easier to recognize? Do you know what to do if you notice any of those signs in a loved one? Please take a moment to share your thoughts below.

Do you remember asking the “Can I play too?” question as a child when there was a game in progress and you wanted to join? I wasn’t much of a sporty girl, so I was usually asking in on jump rope, Red Rover, or tag. Most of the time, the answer was yes, or maybe, wait until the next round or game.

I do have some memories of kids being told no, sometimes out of meanness. I was fortunate enough to attend a school where this behavior was not tolerated on the playground, and a teacher would intervene. I’m not saying there was no teasing or catty behavior at Lee Park Elementary in Northeastern Pennsylvania. But if caught, there would be a good talking to that might include, “Shame on you! How would you feel if someone did that to you?” Our parents and teachers were not above slinging some guilt our way.

A Recent Situation

While on vacation recently, I found myself in a “Can I play too?” scenario. A friend and I rented a lovely Florida condo with a Gulf view overlooking the pool. We’d had some hectic Sunday travel and were just coming alive late Monday morning. I’d told her I wanted to try some water aerobics in the pool while we were there. My friend does synchronized swimming and said she could do her workout while I was in my class of one.

Then we heard it: loud directions for water aerobics moves! I went onto our lanai, and saw eight women in the pool, just finishing a class. I hustled down there as fast as I could and asked if I could join. The answer was, sure! They work out to recorded instruction three times a week, with a different emphasis for each class: cardio, stretching, and a pool noodle class. That last one was new to me.

Awkward but Fun

The first class was awkward. The women were all residents and knew each other well, and I had not done any water aerobics classes in several years due to hip problems and then replacements. But they were all lovely and kind and helped me out when I got mixed up. I felt fabulous afterward and vowed to attend every session while I was there.

These ladies were so much fun, lots of witty repartee and laughter. I learned that in the winter, high season there, they had an instructor, and the class topped out at 28, the maximum allowed. I shared that I’d like to find a group like this when I’m home. My pool used to have a class, but none since COVID. The gal in charge of this one encouraged me and said she’d text me information about where to buy the recordings they use in the summer. She suggested that I start my own group. Theirs was in its 29th year!

Always Great to Make New Friends

As they were year-round residents, they had fabulous restaurant recommendations. My friend and I are foodies, so that was another bonus. By the end of our stay, I felt a bit like Olivia Newton-John in the movie Grease, sad to see the vacation end while hopeful for something new.

Once home, I received that text with the websites for the water aerobics class recordings and placed an order. Back at my club pool, exercising by myself, I struck up a conversation with a woman who was pool walking.

Was she interested in water aerobics? Yes, she was! And she knew a few others who might also want to play.

Lessons for All

So, what did I learn?

• You’re never too old to ask: Can I play too?
• It still feels awkward and a bit scary to ask.
• New friends, even for a brief time, are a blessing.
• Ask others if they want to play too.

Also read, Hopscotch and the Art of Making Friends as an Older Adult.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Have you ever wanted to start your own women’s group/class/circle? What would you like to do together? Have you tried asking others if you could join them – of if they’d like to join you on your activity?

Their favorite decade? Hands down, without exception, their 60s.

I’ve interviewed dozens of women who are more than 75 years young. I’ve spoken to interesting, active, engaged, and curious souls to determine their secret sauce. What are their thoughts on successful aging?

This Is Our Best Decade

Their responses surprised me. Interviewees consistently reported their 60s as the most enjoyable times of their lives. They felt good and enjoyed decent health. With kids grown and living independently, they had more money at their disposal. They enjoyed grandchildren, travel, and friends. They had the time and energy to pick up a new hobby. They finally put themselves first.

And now, halfway through my 60s, I get it.

So! When a friend texted Any interest? to a few of us, I didn’t hesitate. I’m in! I typed back.

The Fashion Show I Never Thought I’d Attend

I’d never attended the Nashville Symphony Fashion Show. I’d admired the after-photos of the fancy people in fancy clothing who did attend. I gazed at the gorgeous flowers and lavish decor and jaw-dropping runway dresses I could never afford.

The swanky annual event raises funds to support the Symphony’s diverse, low-cost educational and community programs.

Five of us chimed in – Let’s go!

And then came the hard part.

Not So Easy to Choose the Perfect Outfit

For the next few weeks, a flurry of texts fluttered back and forth between our group. All well past 60, we fretted and agonized about the level of dressiness and the weather forecast and what in the world would we wear?

Do you think this dress will work? Maybe with Spanx?

Too casual?

Do you think it will be too cold for sandals?

Finding cocktail clothes that met our parameters proved more challenging than it used to be. We wanted longer dresses – with sleeves! – that hid our crepey legs and bat-wing arms and jiggly spots that no amount of crunches will tame. Those sky-high heels we once wore? A hard no.

Before heading to the downtown soiree, the five of us met at our organizer’s home for a splash of champagne to celebrate. We are doing this! Cheers to embracing something new, life north of 60, and our assortment of finery.

Our Uber wound its way through the city, past the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Ryman Auditorium, and the Johnny Cash Museum. On this picture perfect evening, tourists swarmed the streets and the Broadway honky tonks.

They were not dressed like us.

It Was a Glamorous Entrance

We pulled up to the curb at one of my favorite buildings in Nashville. Smack dab in the middle of all the mayhem that is Music City sits the marble and granite Schermerhorn Symphony Center.

One at a time, we piled out of the SUV, our gracious driver assisting the five Cinderellas alighting from our golden coach. Like an old-timey clown car, we nervously emerged from the vehicle and set chunky heels on the sidewalk.

And we heard …

Cheering.

Clapping.

Shouts.

I looked over my shoulder to see what all the fuss was about.

And the fuss, it turned out, was us.

Still applauding, a group of 30-something women – eight or nine of them – approached us with big smiles.

You look so pretty!

I want to be like you when I grow up!

I’d love for my mom to be friends with you!

And, just like that, we were stars.

We floated our way into that building and through the magical event. Sipping more champagne, we clinked glasses to celebrate life, friendships, and what lies ahead. We saluted our Sex and the City moment.

A local news anchor emceed the beautiful evening. Pamella Roland’s stunning designs graced the runway. Vince Gill performed a few songs.

Much More to Come – and I Will Embrace It

It was a special night, and I want to get all dolled up and do it again. Of course, it won’t be as special the second time. It never is. Because we have expectations. And there aren’t as many surprises. And I doubt we’d have another cheering section.

We still giggle about our Carrie Bradshaw moment. The applause, comments, appreciation, and approval motivate us to go after more of that giddy feeling. Sure, our 60s come with thinning hair and veiny legs. We forget names and turn the TV volume higher and higher.

But this can also be a time of adventures, accomplishment, and reinvention. If we let them.

What else can I say yes to in my 60s? I’ve got five more years to attack this decade and make it the best yet. And then – perhaps – my 70s will be even better.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

When was the last time you tried something new? Do you have an item on your *someday* list you’ve always wanted to do? Or an event you’ve wanted to attend?

Photo: @enews

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Originally posted at: Ariana Madix’s Yellow Floral Mini Dress