Visiting Angels Dementia Care and 6 Early Signs of Dementia

Visiting Angels of Auburn provides Dementia Care to Elderly Family Members

When dealing with dementia, the symptoms can take many forms, such as memory problems while also intruding on everyday life. When this happens, it is common for seniors to become panicked or frustrated, especially when struggling with short-term memory loss. Many seniors often lose:

The phone number of a family member or friend
The location of their car or house keys
The item they were looking for in the kitchen or bedroom
Whether they took their medication
What they ate for breakfast

Memory loss isn't the 100% determining factor for dementia; however, it is a significant sign of the disease. When it is noticed, it's vital to get a precise diagnosis and set up a treatment plan and dementia care.

What are Early Dementia Signs and Symptoms?

It is essential to know that each person has a different experience with dementia-- the disease can vary in intensity and rates. Dementia is not usually determined unless there are two or more symptoms that significantly impact the individual's day-to-day life. If you are concerned about a loved one showing these signs, make an appointment with their doctors to start a dementia assessment.

Six early warning symptoms of dementia that requires dementia care may include:

Asking the same question or repeating the same story over and over
Unable to follow directions or stay on task
Forgetting things recently learned, important dates, names, or other vital information
Getting lost in familiar places – Inability to backtrack or retrace steps
Neglecting personal safety, hygiene, and nutrition
Becoming confused about time, people, and places

Types of Dementia

There are multiple types of dementia, but physical changes to the brain cause each one. The most common type of dementia is Alzheimer's. This form accounts for 60-70% of dementia cases (World Health Organization.). Alzheimer's progresses very slowly and typically begins before individuals even experience symptoms. This disease is the result of nerve cells dying off.

As this spreads throughout the brain, the severity of the symptoms will begin to show. Eventually, those who have Alzheimer's will need total medical care.

Other types of dementia include:
Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease
Korsakoff Syndrome
Lewy Body Dementia
Huntington's Disease
Mixed Dementia
Frontotemporal Dementia
Parkinson's Disease Dementia

The specific cause of each is different.

Know Your Dementia Risk and Reduce It

The significant risk factors when regarding Alzheimer's are age, family history, and genetics. Research has also found the following information:

Scientists have determined specific genes make some people more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease.

Research also indicates that older Latinos and African-Americans are more at risk for Alzheimer's and other dementia. The reasons are still unclear.
Most individuals with Alzheimer's disease are 65 and older.
One in nine people in that age group and nearly one-third of people aged 85 and older have Alzheimer's.
People with a parent, brother, or sister with Alzheimer's are more likely to develop Alzheimer's. The risk increases if multiple family members have the disease.

Dementia risks increase when conditions damage the heart and vessels-- such as heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. High blood pressure and high cholesterol can also increase the individual's risk. Discuss with your doctor to begin managing and controlling these conditions.

Living with Dementia

Individuals that are diagnosed with dementia should be under a doctor's care and dementia care consistently. The disease can be treated with a few medications; those living with vascular dementia should do what they can to avoid any further strokes-- like managing blood pressure, treating high cholesterol and diabetes, and not smoking cigarettes.

It is common for individuals to live with this disease for years with assistance from family, friends, and professional dementia care caregivers. These caregivers are a beneficial resource for those seeking dementia care.

Caregivers can help those with dementia by ensuring they:
Continue social and physical activities
Use memory aids like lists, simple-to-follow instructions, and a calendar with daily to-do lists

Are kept abreast of everyday details and local news

Adhere to daily and weekly routines

Get a Memory Screening

For those throughout the US needing a memory screening, the Alzheimer's Foundation of America provides free, confidential memory screenings. This screening is helpful for someone that needs a comprehensive medical evaluation.

Dementia Home Care Services

Dementia care can be complicated and overwhelming for family members, especially if their loved one is battling dementia and anger. Visiting Angels of Auburn offers our professional resources available to seniors who want to live in their own homes safely and comfortably. Visiting Angels of Auburn also offers specialized in-home dementia care services for seniors with early-stage, mid-stage, or late-stage dementia. Our team of care providers assists dementia patients in maintaining a high quality of life within their own homes. We also provide family members with much-needed respite care.

If you're interested in more information about how in-home dementia care can help your senior loved ones, fill out our intake form or call 603-483-8999