Language, communication, focus, and reasoning can all be affected by dementia-related conditions such as Alzheimer’s. The good news is early treatment may delay symptom progression and boost quality of life for an aging loved one with dementia. This is why it’s best to be observant if you’re caring for an aging family member to determine if dementia testing may be warranted. Here are some reasons to consider taking this step.
Experiencing Increased Forgetfulness
Minor to moderate forgetfulness can be perfectly normal for older adults due to the way aging affects the brain. However, there may be reason for concern if you’re noticing increasingly frequent memory-related issues or lapses involving:
- Not remembering the names of familiar people and places
- Losing train of thought during conversations
- Repeating questions recently asked and answered
- Misplacing regularly used objects, such as keys
No matter what’s causing your loved one’s symptoms, a professional caregiver can be a wonderful source of support for the whole family. 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 Milwaukee families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.
Getting Lost when Going to/Coming from Familiar Places
Anybody can get lost now and then while driving or walking. However, there should be reason for concern if your loved one is becoming increasingly confused or lost when going to and from familiar places, such as the local grocery store.
Not Being Able to Complete Daily or Routine Tasks
Some forms of dementia can affect parts of the brain that store information about routine actions and tasks. One sign this may be happening is if your loved one is having more difficulty preparing dinner, paying bills, and taking care of other common tasks.
Neglecting Personal Safety
Another reason to consider dementia testing is if your loved one isn’t being mindful of personal safety. This may involve forgetting to lock entry doors, not remembering to turn the oven off, or leaving sharp items out after use instead of putting them away.
If you’re caring for a loved one with dementia, you don’t have to face the challenges alone. Families looking for top-rated senior 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.
Not Being Mindful of Nutrition or Hygiene
Dementia can also affect areas of the brain responsible for logic and reason. If this is what’s happening with your loved one, he or she may have meals that aren’t nutritious or in line with what he or she normally eats. You may also notice a disregard for appearance and personal care habits.
Having Specific Dementia Risk Factors
It’s also a good idea to consider encouraging your loved one to get tested for dementia if there are certain risk factors that apply to him or her. According to the Alzheimer’s Research & Prevention Foundation, dementia-related risk factors include:
- Family history of dementia
- Advanced age
- Genetic predisposition*
- Chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure
- Depression
- Head injuries
*Having two ApoE 4 genes has been linked to a high risk of Alzheimer’s disease
Eliminating Treatable Sources of Dementia-Like Symptoms
Lastly, know there’s no single test for dementia. It’s actually a series of steps that include lab tests and a physical exam to eliminate other sources so a diagnosis of dementia can be made with a reasonable degree of certainty. It’s possible your loved one has a treatable condition, such as a urinary tract infection or thyroid problem, that could be mistaken for dementia.If your loved one is diagnosed with dementia, compassionate professional help is just a phone call away. 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. Call us today to learn about our high-quality in-home care services.
