10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer's -- Sign No. 7

Are you finding books in the washer and dirty dishes in the closet? If so, you may need to be concerned about Alzheimer's or some other form of dementia. One of the most bothersome of the many symptoms of the condition is the propensity to misplace everyday objects. This isn't the situation where you put your glasses down on a table and forget where they are, this is more challenging. Important papers or bills may turn up missing and be found stuffed in dirty clothes or under furniture. The problem can even be life threatening when food is left out to spoil.

In one situation, we found months worth of fast food meals rotting in the refrigerator. Not only is there a problem with locating objects, the person who is challenged will often be convinced that someone has stolen the missing item. Showing the Alzheimer's person that the object is not really stolen, but merely misplaced, does not convince them that the item was not stolen and is still missing. These confrontations can become very serious, even violent, some people suffering from Alzheimer's have been known to call the police to report property stolen.

The other side of misplacing items, if storing things that need to be thrown away. It is hard to distinguish this trait from abnormal hording, but if a person has not kept every scrap of paper during his or her life and suddenly begins accumulating piles and piles of junk, there may be a reason to become concerned.

If you have a friend or relative who is showing signs of Alzheimer's it is important the they get medical attention. It is equally important that they take care of any estate matters before the condition progresses to the point they can no longer function.