6 Early Signs of Dementia and How Our Dementia Care Can Help

Visiting Angels of Auburn, NH Provides Quality Dementia Care for Your Aging Family Members

Symptoms of dementia, including memory problems, often interfere with one’s everyday life that can cause panic and frustration for seniors struggling with short-term memory loss. These seniors often forget simple things such as:

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

Memory loss is not a 100% indicator of dementia, but it is crucial to notice and acknowledge signs of dementia to determine a precise diagnosis and treatment plan. Once you have this done, you can begin dementia care services.

What are Early Dementia Signs and Symptoms?

Each experiences dementia differently-- they vary in degrees and rates. Those affected by dementia usually need to show two more symptoms that have led to dramatically interfering with their day-to-day life to receive a dementia diagnosis or dementia care. If you notice that your loved one is showing one or more signs of dementia, it is best to schedule an appointment with their doctor to complete a dementia assessment.

Six early warning symptoms of dementia may include:

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

Types of Dementia

There are many types of dementia, but physical changes in the brain cause each one.

Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia-- it accounts for 60-70% of dementia cases. This form of dementia is a slow, progressive brain disease that begins way before symptoms are visible, and Alzheimer’s results from changes in certain parts of the brain that result in the death of nerve cells.

While the damage is spreading to other parts of the brain, the severity of symptoms is also spreading. Eventually, those who are struggling with Alzheimer’s will require dementia care of some kind.

Other types of dementia include:

• Huntington’s Disease
• Frontotemporal Dementia
• Lewy Body Dementia
• Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease
• Korsakoff Syndrome
• Parkinson’s Disease Dementia
• Mixed Dementia

Each type of dementia has a different specific cause.

Know Your Dementia Risk and Reduce It

There are many risk factors regarding dementia, but age, family history, and genetics are the three most important. Research has also found the following information:

• 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.
• One in nine people in that age group and nearly one-third of people aged 85 and older have Alzheimer’s.
• Most individuals with Alzheimer’s disease are 65 and older.
• 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.
• Research also indicates that older Latinos and African-Americans are more at risk for Alzheimer’s and other dementia. The reasons are still unclear.
• Scientists have determined that specific genes make some people more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease. Having the particular gene is one risk factor and not a cause of Alzheimer’s.

The odds of developing dementia increase when conditions that damage the heart and blood vessels (such as heart disease, diabetes, and stroke) happen, and it is crucial to manage and control these risks with your doctor.

Living with Dementia

When someone is diagnosed with dementia, they should begin care under the supervision of their doctor. There are certain medications to treat dementia; individuals living with vascular dementia need to avoid future stroke and avoid smoking cigarettes. There is the possibility of living with dementia for years with the assistance of family, friends, and dementia care from trained professionals.

These professionals are often referred to as caregivers; they are known to be extraordinary resources when it comes to dementia care.

Caregivers can help those with dementia by ensuring they:

• Use memory aids like lists, simple-to-follow instructions, and a calendar with daily to-do lists
• Are kept abreast of daily details and local news
• Continue social and physical activities
• Adhere to daily and weekly routines
• Get a Memory Screening

When needed, the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America provides free, confidential memory screenings all around the U.S. on a consistent schedule. This screen they offer can determine if someone may benefit from a more comprehensive evaluation.

Dementia Home Care Services

Dementia care can be complex for family members to provide personal, especially if their senior is battling dementia and anger. This complex situation is why professional resources are available for seniors; Visiting Angels of Gilford offers this type of care while also allowing seniors to remain in their own homes.  In-home dementia care services from Visiting Angels of Gilford are available for seniors with early-stage, mid-stage, or late-stage dementia. Caregivers assist dementia seniors in maintaining their quality of life and independence in the home. They also help the family members with much-needed respite care.

If you find yourself looking for more information on how in-home dementia care can benefit you or a loved one, reach out to Visiting Angels of Gilford by filling out our intake form or calling 603-366-1993.