Signs of dementia
June 5, 2009
There are differences in normal aging and signs of early dementia. What are they? It is one thing to forget a friend’s name for a few minutes and remember it or to misplace keys and later remember where you left them. Those are signs of normal aging. When one forgets what the purpose of a key is, that is an early sign of dementia onset. There are numerous levels of cognitive impairment. Alzheimer’s Disease is but one of dozens of kinds of dementia. It is important to be aware of signs of early dementia in yourself and your aging loved ones. For more information visit: alz.org
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12 Responses to “Signs of dementia”
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I have heard that nursing homes are not a good place to put elderly persons who can’t help themselves or have dementia. What are some things to look for before placing someone for care?
The absolutely best way to know about a nursing home or skilled nursing unit (snu) is to make a personal visit without your loved one whom might be placed. Unfortunately, many people fear going to a nursing home per se because there have been unfavorable reports for many years. Like most things, there are some good ones, and, regrettably, some that are not good care at all. The guideline I would use is, “would I place my mother here?”
It is important to know that assisted living facilities are not nursing homes. They offer many social occasions and freedom of movement for the residents throughout.
My mother is always forgetting things or losing her keys in the house. Should I be worried that she is getting dementia? She is in her mid-sixties.
As someone who works with seniors and their families, I am frequently astounded at the denial in families when so many obvious signs of dementia are present in a loved one. It is important to note that normal aging includes some forgetfulness and some degree of frustration for everyone is common. However, when a aging loved one begins to demonstrate inappropriate behaviors (language or actions), out of character personality changes, becomes more and more isolated, or refuses to bathe, go to the doctor or eat, these are early signs of possible dementia and must be addressed. I hope this helps.
My grandmother has been difficult all of her life and at 90, she is nearly impossible. Is there any suggestion for dealing with her when she is stubbornly refusing to cooperate with anything we try to do, espcially when it involves her personal safety?
@Caroline, it would be very unusual if your mother is experiencing early signs of dementia. If she needs an annual physical, it might be good to encourage her to talk to her doctor about her forgetfulness. More than likely, she is feeling stress and perhaps attempting to do too many projects at once. Try to get her to take better care of herself with an occasional salon or massage appointment.
@Amber, you might try distracting your grandmother to another topic or activity when she doesn’t want to cooperate with you. If she has memory impairment, depending on the degree of short term memory loss, she might recall in five minutes what was making her so obstinate moments before. There are several good books available about dealing with difficult loved ones.
Care For Life has wonderful free material resources for you. Call Sheryl at 843-852-9090 for a free consultation on eldercare issues and needs. Local Grants are available for home care if you qualify.
My mother is FALLING rather often. Is this clumsiness, or a warning sign? She detests going to any doctor and she has lost interest in friends and going to church. I’m worried. Please tell me how to prevent her FALLS!
Carroll, if your mother is falling, take her to a neurologist for a thorough work-up. If she needs a referral, talk directly with her primary care doctor to see if he/she needs to see your mother before making a referral. Sometimes when the elderly fall they hit their heads and might suffer because of an unseen injury.
Keep a journal of her falls. That way you won’t forget to tell her doctors pertinent information.
Hope this helps.
My mother and stepfather’s denial of her becoming more frail as she ages has left me feeling helpless and scared. I want to scream, “Don’t you get it, the next fall could be the end.” My 70 yrs. young mother does not have dementia but has had a few falls. Her last fall resulted in a broken wrist. They are opposed to a safety assessment. What can I do?
Suzzie, denial is the hardest thing to overcome in aging parents. Your mother’s personality has a lot to do with getting through to her. Try to size up what kind of communications works in your relationship with her. Try to talk to her alone without your stepdad’s influence. See if she will consider just getting a consult with a geriatrician or neurologist. Set a good example. Offer to go with her. Going to new doctors can be daunting. If all else fails, SCARE her with case stories and tell her about obituaries of people much younger than she dying of strokes. Fear can be an effective and convincing tool.