Dementia is a decline in cognitive function that can ultimately result in someone not being able to care for themselves anymore. Families may find themselves turning to assisted living to help their loved ones be able to carry out their everyday activities. Yet, recognizing the signs of dementia may not be apparent initially.
You may find yourself wondering whether it’s a simple case of forgetfulness or whether there’s something a lot more serious happening. Recognizing the symptoms early, however, can result in an early diagnosis and better planning as a result. If you have an older loved one and you’re wondering whether they might be showing signs of developing dementia, here are some telltale signs to look out for.
Difficulty in Daily Life
Once upon a time, your loved one may have been able to carry out their day-to-day tasks with no help whatsoever. However, you may notice that they’re having a little more trouble than usual remembering appointments, paying bills, or even behaving themselves.
People with early dementia may start to rely on memory aids like notes or reminders, and need frequent reminders about important dates. As it starts to progress, even memory aids may not do the trick, as they may forget to set reminders altogether.
Familiar Things Are No Longer Familiar
If your loved one used to cook the same recipe frequently or have the same routine, and now they seem a bit confused carrying it out, then this is definitely a red flag to look out for. They may get lost while driving a familiar route or be confused about the steps it takes to do something they’ve done a million times before. If it’s something that was once familiar and suddenly seems like new territory, then it’s definitely something worth noting.
Difficulty with the Concept of Time
People in the early stages of dementia may start to lose track of dates, seasons, or even where they are physically. They may not realize how they got to their current location or believe they’re living in a different time altogether.
They are disoriented and confused, leaving not only them afraid but also the people around them. If you notice this starts happening, it’s important that you reassure them to avoid them panicking or getting frazzled.
Changes in Mood
Someone with early dementia may find themselves experiencing uncharacteristic mood swings. Someone who’s normally quite stable and has a fairly calm demeanor who is suddenly anxious, depressed, or grumpy, may be that way because of dementia.
Dementia can often cause individuals to become easily upset when they step outside of their comfort zone or lose interest completely in socializing. These changes in mood or personality may very well be due to developing dementia and are something that should not be ignored.
