Dementia can be described as changes in the brain that result in the loss of cognitive functioning.
These changes can interfere with everyday life, presenting in a variety of ways. “Does your family member struggle with paying attention?”
Understanding the signs of dementia is extremely important in obtaining adequate care for your loved one. Continue reading for seven early signs of dementia.
Signs of Dementia
Dementia has several identifying signs including, confusion, troubling behavior, and personality changes.
Alzheimer’s disease is often the leading cause of dementia. If you are concerned that your relative may have dementia, you must know what to look for.
1. Memory Loss
Memory loss can occur as a result of normal aging.
In individuals with dementia, memory loss is typically noticed by someone else. As time progresses, the individual with dementia will become more reliant on written notes and reminders.
If your relative is experiencing memory loss impacting their daily quality of life, they may have dementia.
2. Personality Changes
It may be startling to witness unexpected personality changes in a parent or grandparent with dementia. Socially inappropriate behavior or acts of impulsiveness may come as a surprise.
If your relative was once energetic and full of zest, they might slowly morph into sluggish unrecognizable behavior.
3. Psychological Changes
In the early signs of dementia, you may notice your loved one experience some psychological changes.
The person experiencing early onset dementia may be unable to manage a monthly budget, have trouble carrying on a conversation, or have difficulty remembering the current date and season.
4. Vocabulary Issues
In the early stages of dementia, a person may experience vocabulary issues.
If your parent is having trouble explaining things, forming words, or asking questions, you may want to consider a dementia test. Seeking help from a speech therapist can help improve confidence and regain speech in those affected by dementia.
5. Becoming Lost
Dementia symptoms can present in several ways. An individual with a superb sense of direction and navigation skills may suddenly begin to wonder and easily become lost. In early dementia, wandering is common in those with Alzheimer’s disease.
6. Communication Issues
Communication issues are often early symptoms of dementia. This is often the most frustrating for individuals with dementia. Losing the ability to communicate effectively can be the most difficult of all.
During the early onset of dementia, you may notice your parent forget a word or use the incorrect word in a sentence. Over time dementia affects the brain in ways that language problems become more apparent.
7. Troubling Behavior
Troubling behavior can be one of the early signs of dementia.
People with dementia often experience a condition referred to as sundowning.
Sundowning is described as a state of confusion during the late afternoon and evening hours. Individuals experiencing sundowning can become confused, aggressive, and anxious.
Care You Can Trust
If you suspect that your parent or grandparent is experiencing signs of dementia, don’t hesitate to seek professional guidance.
Ensuring that your loved one has safe accommodations and proper dementia care is essential. Contact us today for more information on elite senior placement services.
