Know The Signs Of Dementia
Normal age-related symptoms:
- Trouble with multi-tasking
- Difficulty with spontaneous word finding (taking longer to get words out)
- Increased absent-minded
- Transience (when the brain forgets some memories over time, possibly making room for new ones)
These kinds of experiences are usually part of the aging process. Aging adults may notice that the speed at which they process information gradually slows over time, causing delays in recalling names, dates or past events. While it may be frustrating to encounter “senior moments” like this, it is generally nothing to be concerned about.
Dementia-related symptoms:
- Forgetting names and places without recall
- Repeatedly misplacing objects or not knowing the names of them
- Becoming disoriented or lost in familiar surroundings
- Significant changes in personality
People who are experiencing more serious memory problems often have trouble noticing these changes themselves, while family and friends may become concerned. This difference can be significant. Older adults who are experiencing normal, age-related forgetfulness usually recognize when they have forgotten something. Memory loss related to dementia, however, is different — it is progressive and becomes more serious over time. In any case, if a sudden or significant change in memory occurs, it may be a sign of another medical issue that needs prompt attention from a healthcare professional.
Experts generally recommend seeing a doctor if memory loss begins to interfere with everyday activities or with roles someone has comfortably managed throughout their life. Since dementia is a clinical diagnosis, a clinician needs to integrate all information from the patient examination, family history, lab results and brain scans to make a diagnosis.
You can watch for the following signs, which could be indicators of dementia:
- Forgetfulness or loss of short-term memory
- Loss of reasoning and judgment skills
- Differences in sleep habits
- Disregard for personal cleanliness
- An overall disheveled appearance
- Problems with managing finances
- Stacks of mail and unpaid bills
- Difficulty with food preparation
- Changes in appetite and food preferences
- Lack of interest in friends or activities
- Pets being neglected or overfed/underfed
- Differences in sleep habits
- Depression
- Incontinence
- Inability to safely manage medications
- Wandering
- Alcohol abuse
If your loved one is showing several of the above signs, you should consider seeking advice from medical professionals. The Crossings at Riverchase offers quality dementia care within a close-knit community – and is always focused on your loved one’s well-being, health and safety.