Dementia is a fairly common condition among seniors, but it can be difficult to spot. Especially in the early stages, dementia can masquerade as everyday forgetfulness or absentmindedness. To identify dementia, you’ll need to keep an eye out for these common dementia symptoms.
1. Mixing Up Words
Since dementia makes it harder to manage language processing, it’s very common for seniors with dementia to face difficulty with communication. They might use the wrong word when referring to an object or mix up the normal order of words in sentences. Some people will forget words for things and feel like the right words are constantly on the tips of their tongues. While the occasional slip of the tongue is normal, if these mix-ups are happening frequently, it might be a sign of dementia.
2. Forgetting Things
Another hallmark of dementia is forgetfulness. This can come in many forms. Some people might forget directions and get lost in their own neighborhoods, while others might forget loved ones’ names or scheduled appointments. It’s particularly common for dementia to make people forget recent occurrences. The main things that separate dementia-related forgetfulness from ordinary forgetfulness are that it happens regularly and that it can involve even very serious personal matters.
3. Difficulty with Multitasking
People with dementia often notice it becomes harder to multitask. Doing two things at once, like talking and driving, can be very challenging. Many also find it challenging to perform tasks that involve multiple skills and following multiple steps. For example, following a recipe or finishing a DIY project might feel confusing and overwhelming.
As dementia progresses, it may become increasingly difficult to manage simple daily tasks. Families looking for top-rated Milwaukee Home Care providers can reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care. From respite care to specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care, there are many ways we can make life easier for seniors and their loved ones.
4. Personality Changes
Dementia can cause unexpected changes in how a person acts. A formerly shy and quiet person might start chatting with strangers, while a formerly cheerful person might become grumpy. Some seniors with dementia may even develop anxiety, depression, or other mental health disorders. Any unexpected personality change may be a sign of dementia.
Dementia is a serious issue that affects a senior’s health, wellbeing, and ability to perform everyday activities. If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of home care service families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.
5. Inappropriate Behavior
Dementia often affects the parts of the brain associated with caution and social norms. People with dementia may seem to speak without a filter and say rude, lewd, or vulgar things. It’s also fairly common for seniors with dementia to behave inappropriately. They may do things like take off clothing or touch random strangers, and when confronted, they may see no problem with their behavior.
6. Confusion or Trouble Concentrating
Having dementia often makes it very difficult to concentrate and think clearly. Some people may find themselves losing their train of thought repeatedly or being unable to focus on complex concepts. Others will find themselves getting easily confused when talking to others or watching a movie. Of course, everyone gets confused or distracted every now and then, but if dementia is the culprit, a person will begin experiencing this issue regularly.
Aging in place can present a few challenges for seniors living with dementia. However, they can still live independently at home with the help of professional Dementia Care. Milwaukee families can rely on Assisting Hands Home Care to provide their elderly loved ones with mental and social stimulation, timely medication reminders, assistance with meal prep, and much more. Our caregivers are available around the clock to help your loved one live a happier and healthier life. Trust your loved one’s care to the professionals at Assisting Hands Home Care. To create a customized home care plan for your loved one, call (262) 228-4467 today.
