You may have noticed your mom or dad getting more forgetful with the passing years, repeating a story they told you last time you talked, or forgetting what day of the week it is. Moments of forgetfulness happen to all of us, and can become increasingly common with age. Dementia is different, however. Dementia is a term that refers to changes in the brain that can interfere with daily life, such as diminished focus, loss of language skills, or difficulty with problem-solving. Knowing the difference between occasional forgetfulness and the early signs of dementia can help you determine if your parents need to talk to a doctor about their symptoms.
Understanding Dementia
Dementia is an umbrella term for a collection of symptoms caused by changes in the brain. Several conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease and frontotemporal disorders, can cause dementia. But dementia-like symptoms can also be caused by nutritional deficiencies or medications, which can be addressed to restore cognitive function. That’s why it’s important to have your mom or dad consult a doctor if you notice early signs of dementia — a proper diagnosis can help your parents get the support they need. Here’s what to look for:
- Difficulty with routine tasks. Your mom or dad may have difficulty paying monthly bills or following a recipe if their problem-solving abilities are affected by dementia. Or you may notice that they take longer to finish familiar tasks.
- Disorientation. Time and place can become fuzzy for someone with dementia. Your loved one may regularly forget what day it is or lose track of the passage of time. They may also not recognize where they are or know how they got there.
- Vision changes. The inability to distinguish between colors or to judge distances can make it difficult for someone with dementia to drive or read. They may also have balance issues.
- Communication challenges. You may notice your loved one forgetting simple words or losing the thread of conversations.
- Poor judgment. Mistakes in decision-making — such as errors in paying bills, or forgetting to look both ways before crossing a street — may become more common, and potentially dangerous.
- Misplacing belongings. You may notice your mom or dad frequently loses things, like their keys or glasses, and can’t retrace their steps to find them. The items may be discovered in unusual places, such as the keys in their sock drawer.
- Withdrawal. If socializing or completing tasks becomes challenging, your parents may show less interest in getting together with friends and family or pursuing favorite pastimes.
- Personality changes or mood swings. Unusual confusion, suspicion, anger and anxiety may arise in someone with dementia, especially if their routine is upset or they’re in an unusual situation.
Early Detection Has Benefits
If you’re worried your mom or dad has dementia, it can be tempting to ignore the signs and hope for the best. But getting an accurate, early diagnosis can help your loved one get the support they need, offering access to:
- Medication. There’s no cure for dementia, but there may be medications that can allay symptoms for a time.
- Clinical trials. Researchers continue to study dementia. Early diagnosis can give your family member the chance to participate in clinical trials, which can further scientists’ efforts and, potentially, give your parents access to medical advances.
- The opportunity to plan. You’ll have time to work with your mom or dad before their condition progresses, creating a plan for their care and consulting with them about their wishes regarding legal, financial, and end-of-life decisions. While these conversations can be difficult, both you and your parents will be grateful to know the necessary support is in place when the time comes.
Person-Centered Dementia Care at Friendship Village
If you’re looking for compassionate memory care in Chesterfield, MO. or memory care in Sunset Hills, MO. for a parent with dementia, you’ll find it at Friendship Village. Our Montessori approach to dementia care provides residents with the personalized support they need to live as independently as possible. Our care partners and Life Enrichment team work with residents and their families to create each resident’s Life Story so we can truly get to know them. Identifying residents’ strengths, abilities and preferences, we learn how best to support them, empowering them to shape their own lives in a safe, nurturing environment.
Contact us to learn more about our person-centered approach to dementia care at both Friendship Village Sunset Hills and Friendship Village Chesterfield.