Dementia is a common illness that affects many people in their golden years. In fact, 1 in 3 seniors die with Alzheimer's or some other type of dementia. This is why it is so important that you learn to recognize the signs of dementia so that you can help your loved one get the proper help that they need. Here are some of the signs of dementia.
1. Becoming Lost In Familiar Areas
As your loved one becomes more and more affected with the illness, they will begin to become confused even in familiar surroundings. They might be on a walk in their own neighborhood, only to discover that they are lost and that they don't know how to find their way home.
In addition, they might have set out on an errand and forgotten what they were doing. Thus, they come back shortly after without completing their errand with very little recollection of what happened.
This can become very serious. There have been people who have become lost and unable to find their way home or who they are. If you notice these early signs in your loved one, do not let them go out on their own.
2. Changes In Personality, Specifically Paranoia and Aggression
One thing that many people report is that their loved one began to have a very specific change in their personality. This is because dementia can make the person feel paranoid. This paranoia can lead to aggression. In fact, your loved one might experience violent outbursts that are totally irrational. They might think you are trying to poison them, that someone is out to get them, or that you are trying to do them harm.
This can be dangerous to the person with dementia and to you. If your loved one is showing a lot of aggression, this may be a sign that it is time for an assisted living center.
3. Trouble Communicating
One of the earliest signs of dementia is that the individual is not able to communicate coherently. They might forget what you were just talking about, or are unable to think of words to communicate. You might notice them falling out of conversations in groups because they either can't speak well enough or they can't follow the conversation.
If you notice any of these signs, you might want to consider putting your loved one in a nursing home like Regina Nursing Center. This will be the best way to ensure that they are safe and getting the best care for their condition.
Share21 April 2015
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