What Are The Symptoms Of Dementia
Aging adults may gradually start to process information more slowly over time, which causes a delay in recalling names, dates or past events. By contrast, individuals showing early signs of cognitive deficits may be unable to recall the more recent details of an event or even their immediate surroundings.
With normal aging, a modest decline in spontaneous word finding may begin to occur (taking longer to get words out), along with a reduced ability to multi-task. When it comes to dementia, causes for concern include frequently misplacing objects, not knowing the name of objects, forgetting names and places without recall, having difficulty using the right words or becoming lost or confused in familiar surroundings.
Often times, it is hard for people experiencing memory issues to recognize these instances, while those around them are understandably concerned. This can be an important distinction, as an older adult experiencing normal forgetfulness usually recognizes their own lack of recall. Most memory issues develop gradually, worsening over time, so if a sudden change in memory loss occurs, it could be related to another medical condition which may need immediate attention.
Generally, experts recommend when memory loss prevents someone from performing daily tasks and accustomed roles in life, they should consult a physician for further evaluation. Since dementia is a clinical diagnosis, a clinician needs to merge all of the information from the patient examination, family history, lab results and brain scans in order to make a diagnosis.
Caregivers can watch for signs of the following, which could be indicators of dementia:
- Disheveled appearance or grooming
- Neglected hygiene or cleanliness
- Increase in incontinence
- Trouble with food preparation
- Changes in appetite and food preferences
- Alcohol abuse
- Loss of reasoning and judgment skills
- Problems with managing finances
- Pets being neglected or overfed/underfed
- Lack of interest in friends or activities
- Forgetfulness or loss of short-term memory
- Differences in sleep habits
- Depression
- Inability to safely manage medications
- Wandering
If your loved one is showing several of the above signs, you should consider seeking help from medical professionals specializing in memory loss. If additional assistance is needed for memory loss issues and concerns, you’ll find quality dementia care at The Crossings at North River – where your loved one can experience a healthier, more fulfilling lifestyle.