What to Expect After A Heart Attack
Dementia is a collection of symptoms which can occur due to a variety of diseases. Dementia symptoms can include thought, communication and memory impairments but don’t immediately conclude that you or your loved one has dementia.
To be diagnosed with dementia a person needs to show at least two types of impairment that significantly interfere with their everyday life. A person with dementia might experience impairments in: memory, language, focus, communication and reasoning. Things to look out for include:
- Having trouble finding the right words
An early dementia sign can be a person having difficulty finding the proper words to express themselves or explaining something. They might all together have trouble communicating their thoughts.
- Short-term memory changes
Showing subtle changes in memory, especially short-term can be an early symptom of dementia. Someone with dementia might remember detailed events years ago but not what happened today.
- Mood Changes
It is common with dementia to have a change in mood, this may be showing signs of depression or personality changes. Mood changes aren’t always easy to see in yourself but are visible to others around you.
- Trouble completing normal tasks
Small shifts in the ability to complete common tasks may indicate early dementia. This can start off with difficulty in more complex tasks like playing games and move to difficulty with familiar tasks, learning new things or following new routines.
- Apathy
They might lose interest in their hobbies and activities, may not want to go out or do anything fun and just seem overall flat with their emotions.
- Confusion
Early dementia can cause a lapse in thinking, memory or judgement which can lead to confusion. They may not be able to hold normal interactions with people or remember faces.
- Losing a sense of direction
Once familiar landmarks or directions my not be recognizable anymore. Following detailed instructions or directions might also be difficult.
- Repetition
Repetition is a common sign of dementia from changes in behavior and memory. They might repeat the same questions as they don’t remember if they asked them or daily tasks as they are not sure if they already did the task.
- Struggle in adapting to change
This can cause great fear for someone who can’t follow what others are saying, can’t remember people or why they are doing something.
Presenting some of these signs might not mean a person has dementia; they might just be normal signs of aging. Symptoms should not be ignored, if you are experiencing a few of these symptoms talk with a doctor.
If you or your loved one is diagnosed with dementia and in need of some assistance, give us a call. Our staff that is specially trained to provide effective and personalized hands-on dementia care, whether in the home, a day program, assisted living or skilled nursing facility.
