Blog > What Are the Signs of Dementia and What Aren’t?

What Are the Signs of Dementia and What Aren't?

Memory lapses are normal as you age. They happen from time to time and is normal. If your dad set down his glasses and can’t remember where he set them down one week but has been fine otherwise, it’s not concerning. As you age, recalling information can take a little longer.

If your dad calls you and says you haven’t talked in weeks even though you talked an hour ago, that’s more concerning. If he’s consistently forgetting to pay his bills and keeps getting shut-off notices or paying late fees, it’s concerning. That’s when you have to start wondering if he’s in the early stages of Alzheimer’s.

Senior Care Jonesville FL - What Are the Signs of Dementia and What Aren't? — Senior Care Jonesville FL – What Are the Signs of Dementia and What Aren’t?

Do you know the Alzheimer’s warning signs? Familiarize yourself with them. If you start to see them happening regularly, make an appointment with a memory care specialist. Early diagnosis can help slow down the progression through the use of medications and therapies.

Difficulty Remembering Information or Incidents Even With Prompting

Your mom took a wrong turn on the way home. A week later, she denies that the situation ever happened. Even with prompting, she cannot remember getting lost and calling you for help getting back home.

Forgetting things happened or forgetting information and still not recalling it with some prompting can be a sign of dementia. It may not be the case, but it’s worth paying closer attention to see if things of this nature happen again or happen often.

Changes to the Personality

Your dad was always easy-going. He’s suddenly angry with people for no apparent reason and doesn’t trust people he once held in great esteem. If his mood and personality are abruptly changing for no valid reason, it can be a warning sign.

Diminishing Language Skills

Losing words and being unable to recall them is another concern. If your mom is looking for her watch and can’t find the right words it can be a sign that Alzheimer’s is present. If she suddenly starts calling her watch “that wrist thing” on multiple occasions, you should talk to her doctor.

Problems With Routine Tasks

One of the biggest warning signs is that routine tasks become difficult. If your mom is shopping and suddenly has a hard time counting out money or filling out a check, it’s concerning. If she worked at a bank and counted money regularly, not being able to distinguish a $10 bill from a $20 bill is a definite warning sign.

Arrange Senior Care Sooner Rather Than Later

The earlier you set your parent up with a senior care aide, the better it is. Your mom’s or dad’s memory will decline over months and years. Eventually, people your parent knows will become less familiar. The sooner a caregiver becomes a familiar part of your parent’s life, the better it is as the disease progresses.

Talk to a senior care specialist about the services that help people with dementia. Meal preparation, housekeeping, transportation, and assistance with personal care are important services. Make arrangements as soon as possible.

If you are considering Senior Care Services in Jonesville FL, for an aging loved one, please contact the caring staff at Touching Hearts Home Care. Call today: 352-225-3727.