Dementia can be a scary subject to discuss. When our loved ones begin to need more help remembering and accomplishing daily tasks like taking medicine, eating, and other things, it may be time to talk to a medical professional. Thankfully, there are many early warning signs of dementia that we can be looking for. An early diagnosis of dementia and memory care can help our loved ones stay independent longer, maximize their time, and have the important conversations that they need to with their families.
Memory Loss
The most obvious and telling warning sign of dementia is memory loss. When our loved ones need help remembering things like names, taking medicine, or eating, we should take notice. Memory loss can include forgetting important dates, memories, numbers, and asking the same questions repeatedly. Even if this information is remembered later, it is important to still take note of such instances. If a trend is established, memory care services can help your loved one.
Confusion
Becoming easily overwhelmed and confused is also another sign of dementia. Forgetting where they are or how they may have gotten there is one such sign that our loved ones may have dementia. Confusion can lead to being easily flustered, irritable, and frustrated. If you notice that your loved one is struggling with frequent confusion, take note and consider seeking professional doctor’s advice or memory care help.
Struggling with planning
Struggling with managing finances, keeping track of the calendar, appointments, and more may be a sign of dementia. From missing doctor’s appointments, to soccer games, to family dinner, struggling to plan and manage time can come in many forms. If a trend is established of having difficulty planning or keeping up with a schedule, it may be time to seek dementia help or memory care.
Conversational difficulty
Another sign of dementia is having difficulty carrying conversations or finishing sentences. Trailing off on a sentence or stopping abruptly and not knowing how to finish communicating a thought are two examples of how this sign of dementia can show itself. An additional way this sign of dementia can show itself is when our loved ones repeat themselves without knowing. When this becomes more and more common, consider seeking the help of a memory care service.
Irritability
Becoming easily frustrated, angered, or irritated is also a potential sign of dementia. Everyone is different, and personalities vary, but if you notice that your loved one has become increasingly and unusually irritable, it could be a sign of mental decline. The nature of this warning sign can cause conversations about memory care and dementia with your loved one difficult, but being patient with them in these conversations helps. Consider seeking the help of a doctor to address behavioral changes and changes in temperament if you notice a trend.
Memory care from Cavalier Senior Living
If you or your loved one have experienced some or all of these symptoms, seek the professional medical advice of your doctor. There are ways to help reduce the impact of dementia, and with early detection, medication and memory care services can be of great service in helping your loved one stay on top of daily life and its challenges.
Cavalier Senior Living offers professional memory care services to seniors struggling with dementia, Alzheimers, and other forms of mental decline. Our personalized service helps seniors hold onto the important things in their lives and be present with those around them. Click here to learn more about memory care from Cavalier Senior Living or to schedule a visit today.
