Could Your Loved One Have Dementia? Understanding the Warning Signs
According to the World Health Organization, nearly 50 million people worldwide have dementia with almost 10 million new cases diagnosed every year. Dementia encompasses a range of brain conditions including Alzheimer’s disease which is the most common form accounting for 50-70% of all cases.
“Dementia is one of the biggest health crises facing the elderly today. It takes a physical, psychological, and economic toll on the whole family not just the person with dementia,” said Mary Cohron, Pathways Senior Care Advisors.
The signs and symptoms of dementia progress slowly occurring most often after age 65. Because of its slow progression, diagnosing dementia in the early stages is difficult. Frequent visits to a physician over several months may be required to form an accurate diagnosis and develop a treatment plan.
What to Look For
The Alzheimer’s Association has developed a checklist of 10 warning signs and symptoms to help determine if you or a loved one is suffering from dementia. Below are a few signs to look for:
- Confusion with time or place including forgetting what month it is or how they got to church that day.
- Difficulty performing regular daily tasks such as making out a grocery list, remembering directions to a friend’s house or how to play a card game.
- Misplacing household items and being unable to retrace their steps to find them. Putting things in unusual places then accusing others of having stolen them.
- Having trouble communicating or carrying on a conversation. They may retreat socially to avoid situations where they have to talk with others.
- Changes in mood and personality including becoming easily agitated, depressed, confused, anxious, angry or fearful.
“If you notice these warning signs in your loved one or yourself, it’s important to get help. Ignoring the problem won’t help anyone. As with any other health issue, early detection is key. You can work with your health care provider and family to develop a treatment program and daily activity plan to maintain your independence and quality of life as long as you can,” said Cohron.
Pathways Senior Care Advisors can help you plan your next steps whether that’s in-home care, assisted living or memory care, said Cohron.
“We understand the challenges living with dementia places on families and their loved ones. With the proper care plan in place, families can stop worrying about their loved one’s well-being and enjoy time spent together.”