Dementia Warning Signs to Watch out For
As we grow older, it’s normal for cognitive changes to take place that affect our ability to think, speak, and recall information. However, when behaviors go beyond the usual scope of “old age” and begin to disrupt daily life, it could indicate dementia.
Recognizing Early Symptoms of Dementia
Over 5 million seniors live with dementia in the United States. It’s not always easy to recognize the early symptoms because they can be subtle or dismissed as natural effects of aging. If you or your senior loved one exhibits the following warning signs, consider speaking to a healthcare provider about the possibility of dementia.
Significant Memory Loss
Everyone has memory slips from time to time, but forgetting recently learned information is a red flag.
Here are examples of forgetfulness that are not normal:
- Not knowing why they walked into a room.
- Forgetting significant dates and events.
- Not remembering their schedule for the day.
- Asking the same questions over and over.
Problems Completing Daily Tasks
Struggles to complete typical activities of daily living, like keeping track of bills, following a recipe, or forgetting to turn a stove burner off after cooking are all early indicators.
Mood Changes
Experiencing depression and anxiety or personality changes is quite common at the onset of dementia. Oftentimes, the person will begin feeling apathetic towards activities they used to enjoy as well. If you’ve noticed sudden mood shifts in yourself or your senior family member, be sure to contact a physician.
Confusion
Individuals in the early stages of dementia often become confused about things such as the day of the week or month or may not remember a person they recently met. They can also lose track of where they are or how they got there.
Struggling to Find the Right Words
Difficulty to communicate thoughts, such as struggling to find the right words, can be an indication of dementia. Holding a conversation with someone who has dementia is not easy- many times, the person takes much longer to express exactly what they’re thinking.
Failing Sense of Direction
Difficulties with spatial orientation, direction, and visual changes take place early on, leading to issues with driving, reading, and following directions.
Visiting Angels Mesa Supports Seniors with Dementia
If you could use additional support with caring for your senior loved one with dementia, Visiting Angels Mesa is here to help. Our dementia care program helps seniors with dementia live safely in the comfort and familiarity of their own home for as long as possible. Our kind and experienced caregivers receive special training to ensure your loved one is carefully tended to. They can provide assistance with tasks such as bathing, medication reminders, transportation, healthy meal preparation, and monitoring so you can take a much needed respite from care duties.
For more information or to schedule a free initial consultation, contact us today via our online form or by calling 480-833-8247.