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With age comes a slew of health problems, and dementia is just one possibility out of many. However, this particular problem can impact significant functions in a person’s life, so be sure you know what to look for. Here are a few of the early signs of dementia in adults that you should know about.
One of the hallmark signs of dementia is memory loss. People forget things all the time, but when it becomes a daily occurrence, you know a more serious condition is developing. Memory problems are typically subtle at first and revolve around short-term memory changes. For example, someone may remember their tenth birthday party but not their lunchtime meal today. These memory problems can cause them to repeat themselves often and become generally forgetful.
Dementia deeply impacts memory, but it also impedes motor function and attention. An early sign of dementia is having challenges with completing tasks. Whether they become easily distracted, frequently leave things incomplete, or have a sense of general forgetfulness, people with dementia have trouble finishing tasks. These activities are often daily or normal tasks too, including cooking, cleaning, or bathing. If your loved one does have dementia, this will culminate in a need for increased care. Our team at Fedelta Home Care provides the best home care services in WA, so reach out to us if you have any questions about your dementia care needs.
Frequent disorientation is another early sign of dementia. Difficulty with memory can make previously familiar places strange, thus making it hard for individuals to navigate them. People with early stages of dementia can also become confused about where and when they are living. They could think they are in another time or place from their past. This general confusion also includes spatial disorientation and a bad sense of direction.
People with dementia have a hard time with problem-solving. Though they can still complete small tasks, the disease affecting their brains impedes higher-order cognitive functions such as complex problem-solving skills. This means the person may ask for help more often concerning increasingly simpler tasks such as cooking or sorting mail. This inability to process new problems and challenges can make it quite difficult for them to adapt to change, too.
Along with memory and cognitive incapacitations, dementia also affects a person’s ability to talk. People with dementia will often have trouble finding the right words. They will not be able to clearly or succinctly communicate their thoughts, making conversations longer and more drawn out.
If you notice any of these early signs of dementia in adults present in your loved ones, consider seeking medical counsel to determine the best next steps. We designed our services at Fedelta Home Care to help you no matter where you are in this process. Give us a call if you have any questions or would like to know more about your care options.
