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Forgetfulness usually comes with old age, but it could also be one of the early signs of dementia among elders. Unfortunately, medical science has yet to offer reliable prevention methods. However, early detection can do a lot to help people slow the progression.
The onset of dementia often starts with mild symptoms. These mild symptoms are commonly mistaken for normal signs of aging. However, being aware of the signs can help people identify dementia earlier.
Early Signs of Dementia Among Elders
One of the common causes of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease, which is prevalent among older adults. Of approximately 6.7 million Americans with this condition, 73% are 75 years and older. Early signs include the following:
1. Having difficulty with recall or short-term memory. For example, the individual might ask the same question multiple times.
2. Trouble staying focused, perhaps during conversations with you or others. It sometimes appears simultaneously with the next symptom.
3. They struggle with routine or daily tasks, such as dressing or preparing meals.
4. The individual may feel disoriented about directions, locations, or instructions. A common scenario is older patients with dementia forgetting how to get home.
5. They have a problem with spatial awareness, which leads to accidents.
6. They have difficulty remembering common words and often use terms that don’t fit the context. In turn, their writing or sentences are incoherent.
Guide for Caregivers During the Early Stages of Dementia
Is your loved one diagnosed with this disease? They can still perform everyday tasks and activities in the early stages of dementia. Your role as a caregiver is to provide companionship and support. However, you need to start planning for the future.
The following are some ways caregivers can help people in the early stages of dementia:
- Set a daily routine. Start with getting ready in the morning and follow it all the through to going to bed. Try to follow the routine as closely as possible every day.
- Help your elderly parent keep track of appointments, events, and activities. You could help them make a calendar with their schedule and build to-do lists.
- Use a calm voice and listen carefully if a symptom emerges. For example, be patient and try to help if they have trouble communicating.
Make sure your plan is in place for when your loved one reaches more advanced stages of dementia. You won’t be able to care for your parent once the disease progresses too far. During this period, symptoms include extreme behavioral changes and the inability to recognize loved ones.
Dream Catcher Assisted Living offers care and long-term residency for seniors in Jackson, GA. We have a team of nurses and support staff available 24 hours a day. Contact us today to learn more about our services and amenities.
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