Are you worried that you may be experiencing dementia's early stages? Dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, is a life-changing diagnosis for seniors and their loved ones. Early detection plays an essential role in managing its progression and maintaining a good quality of life. Our goal in this blog post is to empower seniors by helping them recognize early signs of dementia that they may be experiencing themselves.
Early Signs of Dementia
Let's take a closer look at the early signs of dementia and how seniors can be proactive in addressing them.
Forgetfulness
Memory loss is one of the most common signs of dementia in seniors. This may manifest as forgetting important dates or events and increasingly relying on memory aids or family members to help with tasks seniors once handled independently. While some degree of forgetfulness is normal as we age, significant memory lapses may warrant further investigation.
Loss of Problem-Solving Skills
Another early sign to look out for is difficulty in planning or solving problems. Seniors might notice that they're having trouble following a familiar recipe, keeping track of monthly bills, or concentrating on tasks that used to be easy for them. Tasks may also take much longer to complete than before, and they may experience more frustration than usual.
Difficulty With Common Activities
Seniors may also struggle to complete familiar tasks, like driving to a known location or managing their budget. Even the rules of their favorite game might become confusing. This is because dementia can affect our ability to understand and process information.
Disorientation
This is also a common symptom of dementia, resulting in confusion about time or location. Seniors might lose track of dates, seasons, and the passage of time, or find themselves unsure of where they are and how they got there.
Visual and Spatial Acuity
Seniors may have difficulty reading, judging distance, or distinguishing between different colors and contrasts. In some cases, seniors with dementia also struggle to recognize their own reflection in a mirror.
Difficulty Communicating
Communication difficulties can arise too, such as having new problems with words when speaking or writing. Seniors might find themselves struggling to join a conversation, repeating themselves, or searching for the right vocabulary. Naming familiar objects could become challenging or they may use the wrong name for them.
Avoidance
Dementia can also impact seniors' social life, leading to withdrawal from work or social activities. They may find themselves avoiding hobbies, engagements, or work projects that they once enjoyed.
Mood and Personality Changes
Changes in mood and personality are common signs of dementia in seniors. They may become confused, suspicious, depressed, or anxious, and easily upset by disruptions to familiar routines.
What to Do if You Recognize These Signs in Yourself
If seniors notice any of these early signs of dementia, don't panic. Stress, depression, as well as other factors can cause similar symptoms. Seniors can keep a journal of their concerns and schedule an appointment with their doctor to discuss them. They should also remember to maintain a healthy lifestyle through exercise, social engagement, and mental stimulation to help mitigate cognitive decline.
Senior Helpers Can Assist Seniors Through Their Journey
At Senior Helpers LaGrange, we provide compassionate in-home caregiving services, whether seniors need assistance with day-to-day household and self-care tasks, or companionship as they continue their independent life.
If you live in LaGrange, Columbus, West Point, or Pine Mountain, contact us at Senior Helpers LaGrange for compassionate and professional care. Remember that you're not alone, and seeking help is the first step toward a better understanding of your situation.