Dementia is a brain condition that impacts memory, intellectual ability, abstract thinking, and personality. The progressive disease typically develops in adults in their late 50s and early 60s. As a family caregiver, knowing the early signs of dementia is necessary because it can lead to early diagnosis and treatment and allow your elderly parent to continue making important life decisions independently.
Speech Difficulties
Difficulty speaking clearly or maintaining logical conversations can arise during any stage of dementia, and it’s one of the most common early signs of the condition. The speaking problems occur because your loved one’s memory is clouded, making him or her have difficulty finding the correct words. For instance, your loved one may start small by referring to tea as coffee or a book as a newspaper.
Although these may seem like minor mistakes, don’t ignore them. Keep a journal, monitor your loved one’s speech patterns and language for a few days, and inform other family caregivers and your parent’s physician about these changes.
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 Miami Beach families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.
Poor Judgment
Inviting guests over more frequently than before, eating at odd times, consuming unhealthy foods, cleaning up less around the home, or spending more money on unnecessary expenses could be a sign of poor judgment, which is an early symptom of dementia. When you notice your loved one making bad decisions, such as putting off car repairs or avoiding health appointments, speak with him or her about these choices and suggest a doctor’s visit.
Remain calm and soothing instead of being argumentative and forceful. The objectives are to learn more about the cause of these poor decisions and to get the best care for your loved one.
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. Miami 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.
Behavioral Changes
As dementia progresses, it typically causes changes in a senior’s personality and behavior. This sign occurs early and can include hearing or seeing things that aren’t there, being restless and more demanding, and being unusually suspicious. In the early stages, you may notice these behavioral changes in the evening hours, a phenomenon that’s often referred to as sundowning. Instead of ignoring these issues and blaming them on a situation that occurs in the home or during an outing, you should write down the changes and speak with your parent’s physician for guidance.
Depression
Many seniors with dementia experience depression for various reasons, such as memory loss, the inability to carry on regular conversations with loved ones, and the need to rely on family and friends for more assistance. If you notice your loved one avoiding typical hobbies, such as participating in family game nights, having dinner with friends, watching his or her favorite television shows, or reading books, it could be a sign of depression. Your loved one could be withdrawing from these hobbies and interests due to dementia, so make sure to have him or her tested by the family physician, and seek treatment immediately instead of waiting for the condition to progress.
If your loved one has been diagnosed with dementia, consider hiring a professional caregiver. The type of in-home care Miami Beach, FL, seniors need can vary. Some need assistance a few hours a day, while others require more extensive around-the-clock assistance. At Assisting Hands Home Care, we tailor our care plans based on each senior’s individual care needs, and the plans can be adjusted at any time. Give us a call today at (305) 564-6251 to learn about our flexible in-home care plans.
