Are their perception problems in Alzheimers patients? I notice that my DH is having problems with not able to notice something when it is right in front of him. He played golf today and had difficulty hitting the ball. He would hit the ground behind the ball. He had an eye exam about three weeks ago so his eyesight is ok. Is this a problem wih AZ?
Yes, it is. They will see a dark rug and think it is a hole and avoid stepping on it. They will not sit down because they can't see the seat of the chair. They see some things close that aren't and some things seem far away that are close. And this problem comes and goes, rather than being constant in some of them. We have had discussions on this topic, but I don't remember which one.
Yes. Check the threads for vision issues. Their eyes can check out fine and they can't see the left side of their plate. When driving, they may not be able to stay in their own lane, or gauge speed and distance to safely turn in front of an oncoming car. They can have double vision intermittently, with brand new glasses. It's not their eyes, it's the processing that's the problem.
When my husband approaches a threshhold = he steps up really high, as if he was stepping over a log. When he steps up or down a curb, I hold his arm and still, he 'feels" for the next surface. If he hands something to me, he rarely extends his hand to mine. There is a difference of about 8-10 inches, that I have to reach further to grasp it. I definitely believe he has depth perception problems.
This is interesting. DH has wet macular degeneration for which he gets a shot in that eye every six weeks, but still, sometimes he doesn't see well. He can read and watch tv, but says driving is hard. I think this may be an excuse, because he's very happy to have me do all the driving now and it's face-saving to blame it on his eye. There's no problem when he drives to a nearby grocery store or gas station, maybe because those are things he enjoys doing, as it makes him feel useful and in charge. I've never really understood the male ego, but know it's important to respect it.
Yes, perception problems are a real issue and no, new glasses will not help at all.
PrisR, if your husband is telling you that he is having trouble driving....please, please take the keys away from him. He is an accident waiting to happen. Count yourself lucky that he is admitting to the problem.
Completely common. It was one of our earliest problems. Jeff has a lot of trouble tracking his place in a book, and uses highlighted 3x5 cards to keep his spot. Helps a bit. Frequently his eyes would just hurt. No so much these days. But, as for seeing things that I point out--almost impossible. He cannot follow a pointing finger, or a description of what to look at, at all. That, of course, is a function that involves more than just visual perception, so there's all sorts of ways for it to go wrong.
Mainly it seems to be processing, as folks have said. Taking the visual image and making proper sense out of it.
And I notice glasses, usually filled with something liquid, dishes, all sorts of things get knocked over. he just can't judge where they are. He's constantly moving things away from the edge of the table which weren't on the edge for fear that they will be knowcked over.
Funny: my DH also moves things from the edge of the table. I didn' t think about a perception problem, just thought it was one of his many safety issues. He is always very worried that I'M going to knock something over -- whereas HE is the one who often does it (but forgets of course)
I forgot to mention the spillage problem. My husband knocked over every glass he had until I began to use the flat bottom insulated mugs (glasses) with handles (http://www.tervis.com/Category/NEWARRIVALS/Default.aspx ) They are harder to tip over because of their base. It's a never ending race to find thing that work better for him. I actually considered using big "Tippy Cups"...but couding find any large enough. The tervis cups have lids, but I've not found that necessary.
beachgirl, My husband also loved golf, played everyday after work & on weekends. He was very good. He started doing the same things you have mentioned, hitting behind the ball, chipping over the green several times, etc. which had nothing to do with his eyes. Unfortunately, he forgot how to play altogether. I know somewhere in his mind, he still would love to play, he was going to the garage several times a day to line is clubs up against the wall, only to move them & start over again. He has started asking me "Are all those clubs mine" yes, & he is so thrilled.