Know The Early Signs Of Dementia

Being occasionally forgetful is a normal sign of aging. What is not normal is when memory loss begins interfering with someone’s ability to function normally in their daily life. For most people, the process of aging can cause sporadic memory lapses that have negligible consequences. For other older adults, memory loss can become severe enough to seriously impact the quality of their lives and signal the onset of dementia.
Normal vs. Abnormal Memory Issues
Everyone ages differently. How we age also varies, influenced by factors that include our physical health, genetics, lifestyle, and environment. We all have the same opportunity to experience healthy aging by making smart lifestyle choices that include eating properly, keeping our brains active, and staying socially engaged. While none of these things guarantee a longer, healthier life, they can help minimize the risks of diseases and disabilities commonly associated with older adults.
Most people retain strong memories as they age but it is natural to notice some decline in mental capacities as with our physical capabilities. It is estimated that about 40% of people will experience some degree of memory loss during their senior years but the likelihood of dementia is relatively low – only about 5 to 8% in adults over the age of 65. Minor lapses in memory are nothing to be concerned about; however, when it becomes severe and affects a person’s quality of life and safety, dementia related diseases such as Alzheimer’s become a real possibility. That’s why it’s important to be able to distinguish between normal and abnormal memory loss issues.
Early Warning Signs Of Dementia
Every older adult will occasionally forget an appointment, have trouble remembering someone’s name, miss paying a bill on time, and other like episodes of mild forgetfulness. These are not signs of serious memory problems because they happen to almost all older adults as well as many younger people. More serious memory issues that can be early warning signs of dementia are as follows:
• Asking the same questions repeatedly.
• Feeling lost in once familiar places.
• Having difficulty following directions such as with recipes or taking medications.
• Experiencing sudden, severe mood swings.
• Frequent pauses in conversations and having trouble in finding the right words.
• Having difficulty recognizing and remembering the names of family members and close friends.
• Being frequently confused with time, people, and places.
• Allowing self-care to be compromised such as not bathing regularly, eating poorly, and engaging in risky, unsafe behaviors at home.

What To Do If Dementia Is Suspected
There are many other indicators of dementia but one rule of thumb to remember is that when someone is no longer able to function normally, medical intervention and early diagnosis is essential because dementia is a progressive illness.
There is currently no cure for dementia related diseases such as Alzheimer’s, but medical researchers have discovered treatments and medications that can help with many of the symptoms. Early diagnosis and medical supervision can also enable family members and caregivers to better plan for the future by knowing what to expect if and when the disease progresses.
The sooner dementia is diagnosed and managed, the sooner the person suffering from it can receive the advance planning, support, and care they need to live life well. High quality, cost-effective dementia care is a collaborative team effort that can effectively address and solve dementia related challenges.
If you are concerned a loved one is experiencing memory loss issues that go beyond the norm, seek help as soon as possible. There are many medical and community-based resources available that can give you the help you need to proactively address the challenges of dementia.