MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WBTW) – Wyatt Willoughby with the Myrtle Beach Right at Home joined News13 at 9 a.m. on Friday to chat about World Alzheimer’s Day.

Willoughby covered the symptoms and misconceptions of Alzheimer’s. He also talked about ways to assist loved ones with dementia.

What are the most symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease?

  • Losing items and being unable to relocate them.
  • Forgetting how to drive to familiar locations.
  • Getting lost in familiar locations.
  • Social withdrawal.
  • Loss of social inhibitions.
  • Problems dealing with money.
  • Problems making plans or solving ordinary problems.
  • Trouble with ordinary daily tasks.

Are there any common misconceptions about Alzheimer’s disease?

  • That it is an ordinary part of aging (Only 10% will be diagnosed.)
  • That only elderly are affected. (Most sufferers are 65 or older but 5% of cases are ‘early-onset’ cases.)
  • That it is curable.
  • That it is caused by eating certain foods.

What are some ways to help someone with Alzheimer’s or other dementia?

  • Keep them as engaged in daily activities as possible.
  • Make things as simple for them as possible.
  • Break down difficult talks into smaller, simpler tasks.
  • Don’t force activities that are frustrating.