Paying attention to the early signs of dementia is critical, but it’s not as easy as it seems. This is due to dementia covering a wide range of conditions, all of which have their own unique symptoms. The most common type of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease, making up at least 60% of dementia cases, per the Centers for Disease Control. To learn more about the early signs of dementia and how personal care at home can help, continue reading.
Memory Loss
It’s important to understand that dementia affects each person differently depending on the type and stage. However, memory loss is one of the most common signs to look for. If loved ones notice that seniors are repeating themselves, struggling to find the names of familiar friends or items, it might indicate a deeper problem.
The issue with memory loss, and why it might be challenging to know if it is a true sign of dementia, is that all people, regardless of age, are forgetful at different points in their lives. Assessing what’s behind memory loss is key. Could a change in medication be the root cause? Or are seniors under a lot of stress or trying to do too many things at once?
Having personal care at home to assist in monitoring these situations is a great way to find a pattern in memory loss and determine if it might be more than simple forgetfulness.
Confusion With Time of Daily Activities
Everyone struggles with the day of the week from time to time, especially now that more people are working from home. If loved ones forget dates or planned activities consistently, this might be more of a concern. Pay attention when seniors struggle to remember things such as scheduled events or dates.
Additionally, consider buying them a calendar and writing important events or scheduled activities. This can provide a visual cue for seniors and help decrease frustrations.
Difficulty With Balance
Many people might not realize that dementia can affect other aspects of seniors’ lives and not just their memory. Seniors who struggle with balance or judging distances might be suffering from dementia. This can be significant as seniors are already at risk for falls. A noticeable change in their balance or even dropping things they meant to place on a table due to not judging distance well might be an early sign of dementia.
Difficulty Finding the Right Words
Dementia affects how a person speaks and understands the language. Finding the right words can be difficult for anyone, but consistent struggling that might also affect writing is cause for a deeper look. If loved ones notice seniors having difficulty following conversations or completing sentences when talking or writing, they may need to speak with a medical professional.
The addition of personal care at home helps loved ones monitor these situations and provide a better understanding of how often they occur. Additionally, if seniors receive a diagnosis of dementia, home care providers can assist with a care plan that ensures they remain safe in their homes and receive everything they need.
If you or an aging loved-one is considering Personal Care at Home in Carthage, MO please contact the caring staff at Adelmo Family Care today at (417) 206-4576.
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