Dementia is a life-altering condition characterized by declining thinking and physical abilities, but it can be hard to detect in its early stages. While aging brings about gradual change, dementia often has subtle yet distinct signs that must not go unnoticed – especially when your loved one may try to mask them.
Assisted Living: Signs of Dementia
Dementia manifests differently from person to person, making it hard to spot. However, there are commonly observed warning signs that may indicate the onset of this condition; keeping an eye out for patterns in their behavior can help you determine whether your loved one is suffering from dementia or not.
Memory loss
As we age, it’s normal to experience the occasional memory lapse. However, if your loved one is finding themselves increasingly reliant on aids like post-it notes or repeatedly forgetting names of familiar people in their lives – this could be indicative of an early sign of dementia. Don’t ignore these warning signs and look for medical guidance as soon as possible should you suspect any related symptoms. Don’t hesitate to look for a memory care facility if necessary.
Struggles in problem-solving
Has your family member been struggling with tasks they used to breeze through before? It could be a sign of their executive functioning skills deteriorating, which can sometimes indicate dementia. Are seemingly simple activities like cooking favorite recipes or paying bills taking more time and effort than usual? If so, it may warrant further investigation into the cause.
Difficulty in doing familiar tasks
Your loved one’s everyday tasks may give clues to their cognitive health. Watch out for changes in routine that they can’t explain away; it could be an early clue of dementia. If you’re noticing your family member having trouble using a phone, navigating around town, or simply shopping on the weekend, trust what you see and speak up –the earlier this is addressed, the better!
Confusion with place or time
As we age, it can be more difficult to remember things like the date and time. Although a few brief lapses in memory are typically normal, persistent confusion with daily events may signal an early symptom of dementia. Be mindful if your loved one struggles to recall key moments – such as family dinners or holidays – and observe any discrepancies between what they know now versus before.
Problems in balance and visual images
Your loved one may be trying to conceal the physical signs of dementia, which can include poor balance and difficulty with judging distance. Other subtle indicators might include sleeping difficulties or forgetfulness in regard to food choices as well as a higher risk of wandering away from familiar surroundings. Keep an eye out for any possible bruising that could result from falls or broken glass left behind; these little details can provide much-needed insight into your relative’s current state of health.
Problems with writing and speech
Focusing on how language is expressed can highlight changes in a person’s cognition. While dementia affects communication, subtler indicators such as writing ability may signal an underlying issue. In particular, look out for difficulties with understanding conversations or spelling words – these could be early signs of cognitive decline. Talk to your family about finding an assisted living facility for your loved one.
Misplacing items
Even the most organized individuals misplace items from time to time. However, if you or someone else is increasingly losing things and having difficulty locating them even after retracing their steps, this may be one of many signs associated with dementia – like placing kitchen utensils in bedroom dressers where they don’t typically belong.
Poor judgment
If your loved one has suddenly stopped caring for their hygiene, become reckless with finances, or started exhibiting other concerning behavior, they may be showing decreased judgment due to dementia. Poor judgment can present in many forms- from an inability to properly care for a pet and falling victim to scams all the way through compulsive purchases of goods and services. Regardless of what form it takes on, these behavioral changes could indicate that further medical assistance is needed sooner rather than later.
Call Reflections Assisted Living at Carolina Forest now if you’re looking for an assisted living community that can take care of your senior loved one who is suffering from dementia.
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Reflections Assisted Living at Carolina Forest
219 Middleburg Dr
Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
(843) 903-0700
https://www.reflectionsassistedliving.com/