What Are The Symptoms Of Dementia
Aging adults tend to process information more slowly over time, resulting in a delay in recalling things, such as names, dates or past events. 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 multitask. On the other hand, individuals exhibiting early signs of cognitive deficits may struggle to recall the more recent details of an event or even their immediate surroundings. When it comes to dementia, causes for concern include forgetting the names of objects, having difficulty recalling names and places, experiencing difficulty finding the right words, frequently misplacing objects or becoming lost or confused in familiar surroundings.
For people experiencing memory issues, it can be challenging for them to recognize these instances, while those around them are understandably concerned. This is an important distinction — older adults experiencing normal forgetfulness usually recognize their own lack of recall. Most memory issues develop gradually, becoming more pronounced over time. If a sudden change in memory loss occurs, it may be related to another medical condition that requires immediate attention.
Experts generally recommend that when memory loss prevents someone from performing daily tasks and familiar roles in life, they should consult a physician for further evaluation and assessment. Since dementia is a clinical diagnosis, a healthcare professional needs to gather information from the patient’s examination, family history, lab results and brain scans to make a diagnosis.
You can watch for the following signs, which could be indicators of dementia:
- Forgetfulness or loss of short-term memory
- Loss of reasoning and judgment skills
- Differences in sleep habits
- Neglected hygiene or cleanliness
- Lack of grooming or disheveled appearance
- Changes in appetite and food preferences
- Difficulty with food preparation
- Increase in incontinence
- Inability to safely manage medications
- Problems with managing finances
- Wandering
- Pets being neglected or overfed/underfed
- Lack of interest in friends or activities
- Depression
- Alcohol abuse
If your loved one is showing several of the signs mentioned above, it may be time to consult with medical professionals to begin finding answers and exploring options for support. At The Crossings at North River, you’ll find personalized dementia care – where your loved one can experience a healthier, more fulfilling lifestyle.