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What Is Dementia?
Dementia is a neurological disease that impacts the brain and cognitive functions. It is commonly developed in older adults from 65 years of age and on but can also develop in adults who experience brain damage at a younger age. There is no one way to prevent dementia as symptoms vary. Currently, Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia, but it can still develop due to other factors.
Common causes of dementia include the abnormal buildup of proteins in the brain, which causes brain neurons to die. When this happens, the brain begins to shrink, leading to a decline in cognitive abilities such as memory, language, problem-solving, processing, and more. While there is no cure for dementia, early detection and recognizing the signs, along with understanding how to support your loved one, can help them navigate the challenges and feel supported.
The Importance of Early Recognition and Why It Matters
Early detection of dementia is crucial for several reasons, all of which revolve around better managing dementia symptoms and improving the quality of life for the person affected and their caregiver(s). Here are some key reasons why early detection is important:
Access to Treatment and Interventions
While there is no cure for dementia, early detection allows individuals to access medications and therapies that can help slow the progression of symptoms. Additionally, other treatments like cognitive therapy, physical exercise, and lifestyle changes can help manage symptoms more effectively.
Better Quality of Life
Early diagnosis allows individuals and loved ones to plan and implement strategies that can help enhance their quality of life. Early intervention may help the individual maintain independence and perform daily tasks more effectively. It also provides time for the individual to adjust to the change in their abilities, reducing the emotional toll as the disease progresses.
Transitioning to Personalized Care and Support
Dementia affects everyone differently, and early detection allows for personal care plans to be put in place. This might involve modifying the person’s environment, establishing a routine, or supporting managing symptoms. Early detection also helps families and caregivers understand their loved one’s specific needs, making it easier to provide the appropriate level of care and emotional support. In addition, transitioning your loved one to a memory care unit or a senior living community ensures they get the proper care and treatment based on their needs.
Early Signs of Dementia: What You Need to Look Out For
Detecting early signs of dementia can be difficult. Dementia slowly begins to form, which results in caregivers thinking early signs are related to normal aging. However, early signs and overall cognitive decline can vary in severity. Here are a few early signs of dementia to look out for in your loved one:
1) Frequent and Concerning Memory Loss
Memory loss is a common and frequent early sign of dementia. If your loved one is forgetful, especially related to recent events, conversations, or daily activities, this is a key warning sign. It’s common for older adults to become forgetful as they age, but consistent memory lapses should be investigated further.
2) Difficulty with Problem-Solving and Planning Everyday Tasks
Individuals who are developing dementia can have difficulty with daily tasks that require focus, organization, or problem-solving. For example, they may forget what items they need at the grocery store, struggle with managing their finances and paying bills on time and even have trouble with activities they normally can do easily, like bathing.
3) Consistent and Everyday Confusion
Another common dementia sign is when an older adult becomes disoriented with time and familiar places. It is common for older adults with dementia to experience this at night, a phenomenon known as sundowning. The individual might forget the day of the week, have trouble recognizing familiar places and people, and even forget how to get to and from frequented locations.
4) Trouble with Communication and Language
Older adults developing dementia may struggle to find the right words or sayings during conversations. They may even begin to repeat themselves frequently, often repeating sentences they already spoke. In addition, joining conversations and following discussions may become difficult, causing them to forget names, objects, and people.
5) Poor Judgement and Decision Making
Cognitive functions will also decline, including poor judgement and decision-making. These individuals may exhibit abnormal behavior, like wearing the wrong attire for the weather, not paying their bills, and not throwing away bad produce. Look out for any out of character actions and ensure your loved one remains safe.
6) Significant Mood and Personality Changes
Since dementia can cause damage to different parts of the brain, a common sign is a change in your loved one’s moods and personality. Someone who was previously always cheerful and happy may all of a sudden be sad and aggressive. Mood changes like anxiety, depression, confusion, and social isolation are all strong indicators of dementia.
7) Social Withdrawal
It’s possible your loved one may no longer enjoy being around people when they begin to develop dementia. Becoming socially withdrawn and overstimulated in large gatherings is concerning for anyone but especially concerning for an older adult. This will manifest as avoiding hobbies and social engagements, not wanting to see friends or family, and even avoiding places with people.
What to Do if You Recognize Dementia Symptoms in Yourself or Loved Ones
If you or your loved one is showing signs of having dementia, it’s important to take action as soon as possible to ensure the best treatment and care are received. Early detection can help manage symptoms, potentially slowing the progression of cognitive decline. Ideally, you should first schedule an appointment with a healthcare professional, like a neurologist or geriatrician, who can evaluate the symptoms of your loved one. The doctor will assess memory, cognitive abilities, and behavior to determine the underlying cause of their cognitive changes.
Memory Care Services at Lighthouse Senior Living
As families navigate the decision to move a loved one to a memory care unit, recognizing dementia symptoms early on can help make the transition easier. If your loved one is experiencing heightened confusion, difficulty with daily tasks, or other common signs of dementia, memory care in senior living communities provides specialized support in a safe, nurturing environment.
At Lighthouse Senior Living, our dedicated memory care programs are personalized to the care, comfort, and independence your loved one needs. By choosing memory care, you can ensure your loved one receives the help and attention they need while providing peace of mind for you and your family. Lighthouse Senior Living is here to guide you and provide support every step of the way in your senior living journey.