Signs an Aging Adult Might Have Dementia

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Dementia becomes more common as people grow older, but the condition isn’t a specific aspect of aging. However, if your parent develops dementia, there are ways to slow down its progression and help your loved one continue taking on regular activities. This includes learning more about the signs and taking steps to handle the symptoms early on instead of letting them worsen without a care plan.

Changes in Language Skills

Difficulty with speech is common during the early stages of dementia. Communication is critical for adults, and the moment you notice your loved one having difficulty speaking clearly and rationally, it may be time to schedule testing for dementia. The condition may damage parts of the brain that control language, making it challenging to find the right words. 

One of the ways to monitor this warning sign is to encourage your loved one to speak regularly, regardless of how short or long the conversations are. However, always take your time, and never force your loved one to respond quickly. The objective is to see if your parent engages in the discussions or begins to bypass them and speak in fewer sentences. 

Dementia may also affect the ability to perform daily chores independently, and you may need to hire a dedicated caregiver to help your loved one with these tasks. Although it may be challenging to find reliable, highly rated senior care, you may turn to Assisting Hands Home Care. Our caregivers are expertly trained to assist seniors with a wide array of important tasks, including cooking, bathing, light housekeeping, and exercise.

Misplacing Items

When a senior forgets where he or she put his or her keys, the remote control, or a telephone, family members may think this is typical behavior, especially if the senior is having conversations while handling the items. However, misplacing things could be an early warning sign of dementia. 

Have your loved one retrace his or her steps when trying to locate the items. If your loved one has difficulty with this process, it could be due to memory loss and other issues caused by dementia. Another sign to look out for is your parent accusing people of stealing from him or her, which could worsen as the condition progresses.

Impaired Thinking

Making logical choices and statements is a part of adult life, but dementia may impact a senior’s ability to think clearly. When seniors begin to put off rational decisions, such as eating healthy, visiting the doctor, or taking medication, their thinking could be impaired, and the cause might be dementia. The condition causes changes in decision-making abilities, and seniors may have difficulty recognizing everyday things or problems that require immediate attention.

There’s no known cure for dementia at the moment, but aging adults may delay the onset of this condition by making healthy lifestyle choices. In Cincinnati, homecare agencies may be a great boon to seniors. With the help of the caregivers at Assisting Hands Home Care, your aging loved one may lead a happier and healthier life. Our caregivers encourage seniors to eat nutritious foods, exercise and socialize regularly, and focus on other lifestyle factors that increase life expectancy.

Difficulty Remembering Times & Places

Seniors who are confused by the day of the week or cannot remember basic places they regularly attend, such as church, could be developing dementia. Occasional forgetfulness is common for people of all ages, especially when it’s due to lack of sleep or an overworked brain. However, consistent difficulty differentiating dates, times, and familiar places isn’t normal and requires medical testing.

Caring for a senior with dementia may be challenging for family caregivers. Luckily, there is elderly home care Cincinnati families may rely on. Professional dementia caregivers help seniors with dementia stay safe and comfortable at home by preventing wandering, providing cognitive stimulation, and assisting with household chores. If you need professional care for your loved one, Assisting Hands Home Care is just a phone call away. Reach out to one of our Care Managers today at 513-993-5025.