The onset of dementia can occur quicker than you would imagine. Adults as young as fifty can develop dementia and it affects a great number of the elderly. Just as you would be attentive to any changes in your young loved ones behavior, it is necessary to also do so for the changes that occur in our older relatives. Identifying symptoms early on can be paramount to your elderly relative’s safety and well-being. Although the development of dementia can be subtle, if you are aware of the symptoms it will be easier to identify.
One of the most common indicators of dementia is the loss of memory. It may be worth noting how frequently and extensively your loved one has difficulty with memory. Memory loss is common in old age regardless of dementia so it is important to monitor and assess your loved ones memory loss. The quicker you establish whether or not your loved one has dementia the quicker you will be able to provide care for them and keep them safe.
Unlike other diseases, patients with dementia are unable to realize that they are in fact developing the onset of the disease. This is why it is paramount that you keep an eye on your elderly loved ones. As mentioned, the loss of memory is an early indicator. Forgetting family members’ names or important dates is something you many see in the early stages. Another strong indicator is a sudden change in behavior such as becoming inexplicably confused and combative as a result. If you see this combination, it may be the time to get your loved one assessed and check for the onset of dementia.
Monitoring your loved ones regular routine and noting inconsistencies is also advised. If activities they routinely participated in, such as household activities and chores, are ignored or elapsed, it may be a serious indication that they are at high threat. This type of beginning signs of dementia should be taken seriously.
Once you have had your loved one diagnosed with dementia by their health care providers, it may be time to consider how to deal with this diagnosis based on the severity of the condition. It may be that your loved one now needs full-time care and might be time to start considering a nursing home. Although this may be a hard decision, if the signs of dementia are recognized early enough you will be able to adjust to the situation and make a more informed and better decision. This will ensure the best care needed will be received by your loved one.
At the end of the day, we all want the best for our loved ones. As parents we want the best for our children. As children of elderly parents, let’s make sure we pay attention and monitor their needs too so they can live the rest of their years in the best quality situation as possible.
Msgoody2shoes says
April 2, 2012 at 11:51 amI read that regular doses of Zocor will prevent Alzheimer.
When I think about dementia, I think about my dad getting two mortgages on a home that was paid for, using 100k for home repairs that I don’t see, paying bills twice, signing his name for other folks and this was before I knew he had Alzheimer’s.
I hope that in my children’s lifetime Alzheimer’s will be eradicated.
Pam@IW says
April 2, 2012 at 4:05 pmMsgoody, I never heard that about Zocor. I will have to look into it and read up. So sorry to hear about what happened to your father. .
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“I hope that in my children’s lifetime Alzheimer’s will be eradicated.”
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There are quite a few things that I keep saying that about. Dementia and Alzheimers are two diseases that make it so hard on families trying to do what is right for their parents. Most parents want to live their last years in the comfort of familiar surroundings and they have so many obstacles to overcome to do so..
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There are wonderful nursing homes and assisted living homes out there that can meet most people’s needs. You just have to find the right one.
snickers says
April 2, 2012 at 4:46 pmIt’s so hard to see a loved one dealing with Dementia or Alzeimers and hope medical cures are out there someday. It hits people in their 50’s now, too young. The aging process is something we will all deal with, but knowing and having your loved ones know what your wishes would be for yourself, is a great help for families. This is something we have discussed in our home.
Ms. Goody, saying huge prayers for you!
Lily@IW says
April 3, 2012 at 6:25 amGood advice, I think it’s especially difficult when your parents live elsewhere.
It’s a hard time to be away from them.
Anya Tennyson says
April 5, 2012 at 10:43 amMs. Goody, sorry for what you have been through with your dad. Heartbreaking.
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Towards the end of his life, I do believe my dad had some sort of dementia. It became much more acute when he was away from his familiar surroundings (in the hospital or rehab facility). His imagination really took flight. There were times it was difficult to witness, but there are a few funny stories in there too that my sister and I still laugh about. Basically, I found you just had to be present ‘in the moment’ with him and correcting his perception of reality wasn’t really worth it or necessary. Of course, each case is unique. I’m thankful his wife dealt with most of his day to day care. My heart and admiration goes to all the caregivers who deal with our elderly loved ones.
Kathrine Sudbury says
October 23, 2012 at 8:14 amFirstly, I would send my regards to you and your father; I’m sorry that you’ve had to go through a hard time and I hope things are getting better. I deal with a lot of elderly people with dementia, some minor, some major. But you just have to remember that the best thing you can do is to keep creating a positive environment for them. There’s nothing worse than knowing what you have to live with everyday….