Dementia is a neurodegenerative condition that gradually reduces mental functioning. The later stages of dementia are noticeable, but this condition may go undiagnosed for years. In the earlier stages of dementia, symptoms are mild and easy to miss. When caring for a senior loved one, keep an eye out for the following warning signs of dementia.
1. Personality Changes
Since dementia impacts various parts of the brain, it may cause several changes in personality. A cheerful senior might become depressed and cynical, while a regularly shy senior might become talkative. Sudden and unusual personality changes may be a sign of dementia.
Dementia is a serious issue that affects a senior’s health, wellbeing, and ability to perform everyday activities. If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of homecare services families may trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.
2. Completely Forgetting Things
It’s fairly normal for older adults to occasionally forget things, but usually, they eventually remember forgotten appointments or misplaced belongings. Even in its earliest stages, dementia causes seniors to forget things and not remember them until they’re reminded. At first, seniors might forget to do simple tasks such as watering a plant, but it will eventually progress to more important things.
3. Making Inappropriate Decisions
An early sign of dementia is poor judgment, which might include trusting strangers, wearing very little clothing in cold weather, or making unnecessary purchases. Though some seniors might have always had difficulty with judgment, you should be concerned if a fairly logical and reasonable senior loved one suddenly starts making bad decisions.
4. Difficulty with Multistep Tasks
Older adults in the early stages of dementia may not be able to process and retain information, making it difficult to follow instructions and complete basic tasks. For example, a senior may face difficulty with balancing a budget or following a recipe.
Aging in place may present a few challenges for seniors living with dementia. However, they may still live independently at home with the help of professional dementia care. Cincinnati families may rely on Assisting Hands Home Care to provide their elderly loved ones with mental and social stimulation, timely medication reminders, assistance with meal prep, and much more. Our caregivers are available around the clock to help your loved one live a happier and healthier life.
5. Improper Language Usage
Seniors with dementia could face difficulty accessing their language skills, and they may forget words or the meanings of words. During conversations, seniors may pause frequently to remember words, substitute the wrong word for another one without noticing, or create strange phrases, such as calling a clock a “wall watch.”
6. Disorientation & Confusion
You may need to speak to the doctor about dementia concerns if you notice your loved one expressing momentary lapses in focus. Seniors might have difficulty paying attention to something for a long time or suddenly get disoriented and briefly forget where they are. Disorientation and confusion typically start out as minor issues before gradually getting worse.
If your loved one has been diagnosed with dementia, consider hiring a professional caregiver. The type of Elder Care Cincinnati, OH, seniors need may vary. Some need assistance a few hours a day, while others require more extensive around-the-clock assistance. At Assisting Hands Home Care, we tailor our care plans based on each senior’s individual care needs, and the plans may be adjusted at any time. For reliable in-home care services, contact us at 513-993-5025 today.
