How to Recognize Warning Signs of Dementia
We often joke about being forgetful and misplacing the car keys or the television remote control. I know people that even routinely call their own cell phone at home just to track down the ringing sound to locate where it was misplaced. However with seniors, forgetfulness can be frightening and even dangerous. Sometimes it may even be signaling a more serious underlying issue —Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia.
Some of the more common warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia includes:
• Disorientation to people/place/date/time
• Unable to remember appointments or special occasions
• Decreased or lost appetite, unexpected weight loss or dehydration
• Unable to cook for themselves safely
• Unable to maintain personal grooming/hygiene
• Demonstrating unusual behavior or changes in mood/personality
• Unable to manage their medications safely or take them on schedule
• Wandering from home or unable to return home with out assistance
If you know someone who is demonstrating one or more of the aforementioned warning signs, it may be an indication of dementia. Depending on the scope of the warning signs, there are some very important factors to consider. First, if at all possible, encourage a professional medical assessment. This can also help create a baseline to measure over time as the disease progresses.
Next, depending on your relationship with the individual with the dementia, identifying potential care solutions prior to a crisis erupting will make it that much easier to implement when needed. Evaluating services and living options is much easier when not faced with the additional stress and pressure of an emergency decision-making scenario. It is also wise to begin the estate planning process to ensure documentation is established for items such as a Power of Attorney (POA). This ensures that when the individual is no longer capable of decision making, the POA can be executed without requiring the courts and a public guardian, as that can be a very long process.
Finally, there are also support groups in the community to help you cope with the difficulties facing the prospect of a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia. Education about the disease process and a strong support group will be invaluable for dealing with the future inevitable stress of dementia. There are many viable community options to ensure a high quality of life is maintained. Identifying those options early in the process is the key to making the most out of this challenging situation.
For additional information on caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia, visit Pacifica Senior Living in Santa Clarita at 24305 W. Lyons Avenue or visit www.pacificasantaclarita.com . You can also call 661-255-3100 or e-mail santaclaritamkg@islllc.com for more details.