Is your loved one showing symptoms of dementia?
Forgetfulness is a normal part of the aging process. Individuals typically begin to experience slight changes in their cognitive abilities over time, including increased forgetfulness or memory loss. Dementia is not a normal part of the aging process. While one symptom of dementia is the loss of cognitive functioning, other indicators include problems with language skills, paying attention or visual perception.
Aging adults may experience a modest decline in spontaneous word finding which is when it takes them longer to get words out. People exhibiting signs of dementia may forget several words at a time or substitute unusual words, making it difficult to understand their speech or writing. While it’s normal for complex tasks to take more time or for multitasking to become harder, for those with dementia, it may be too difficult to plan or complete simple daily tasks.
The speed at which we process information gradually slows down with age. A delay in recalling names, dates or past events is generally attributed to normal aging. Individuals showing early signs of cognitive decline may be unable to remember more recent details of an event or even their immediate surroundings. Causes for concern include frequently misplacing objects, not knowing the names of objects, forgetting names and places without recall, becoming lost in familiar surroundings or having difficulty using the right words.
People who are experiencing more serious memory problems often have trouble noticing these changes themselves, while family and friends may become concerned. This difference can be significant. Older adults who are experiencing normal, age-related forgetfulness usually recognize when they have forgotten something or they are having a “senior moment.” Most memory issues develop gradually, worsening over time, so if a sudden change in memory occurs, it could be due to another medical condition that may require immediate attention.
Caregivers can watch for signs of the following, which could be early indicators of dementia:
- Misplacing things often without being able to find them
- Trouble making conversation
- Changes in personality
- Losing track of the date or time of year
- Lack of interest in friends or activities
- Problems taking care of monthly bills and managing finances
If your loved one is showing several of the above signs, it’s time to consult a physician for further evaluation. At The Palms at Plantation, we’ll work with your family to determine if dementia care is the best option for your loved one to experience a healthier, more fulfilling lifestyle and less stress and worry for you.
