Posted on Jul 30, 2020 in Dementia Care
As you approach your late 60s, it’s vital to be aware of your mental health and to look out for the signs of dementia so you can plan for old age.
It’s perfectly normal for your brain and body to slow down as you get older. Your memory starts to fade, and your learning and reaction times slow down. This is normal and nothing to be worried about.
That said, it’s crucial to be sensitive to memory loss or behavioral changes that could signify something more serious is happening with your health or the health of a senior loved one.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 1 in 3 seniors dies from a dementia-related condition. For someone suffering from dementia, life can be confusing, scary, and depressing.
As we are all at risk of developing dementia, we should understand its symptoms and be aware of how to prevent and treat it so we can enjoy our golden years safely and comfortably.
Today, then, we’ll examine how to recognize the common signs of dementia so we can get the appropriate help when we need it.
Dementia refers to a combination of conditions resulting in a neurodegenerative disease that gradually attacks certain parts of the brain.
Unfortunately, this is a progressive disease that can’t be cured. It affects a person’s ability to live normally day-to-day. This memory impairment also affects memory, linguistics, and other cognitive abilities to the point that a person becomes unable to function or live safely without assistance.
There are different types of dementia that originate from various underlying causes.
The most common type is Alzheimer’s. The Alzheimer’s Association states that Alzheimer’s is the sixth-leading cause of death in seniors in the US. Today, more than 5 million Americans live with the burden of Alzheimer’s.
Other types of memory loss include:
Symptoms of this disease vary according to the type of dementia. This is because different parts of the brain are affected.
Symptoms tend to present slowly then progress quickly. It’s essential to be conscious of the early stages so you can plan accordingly in case of a positive diagnosis.
Short-term memory problems, like putting something down and forgetting where it is, occur frequently. While this is a typical sign of old age, if you or a loved one are becoming increasingly forgetful, it’s a good idea to watch out for other symptoms of memory loss. These include:
Dementia is caused by the destruction of brain cells in certain regions of the brain. The hippocampus is the brain region responsible for memory and learning. Alzheimer’s disease affects the hippocampus which is why the condition is defined by profound memory loss.
Vascular dementia is caused by a lack of blood flow to the brain. It is thought to be linked to strokes and atherosclerotic disease. Smokers have a higher chance of developing vascular dementia.
Lewy bodies are caused by protein deposits in the brain that prevent the nerve cells from interacting properly. Symptoms include memory loss and excessive shaking, similar to Parkinson’s.
Parkinson’s affects reasoning and judgment. Someone with Parkinson’s can become paranoid and grouchy. They can also start to have terrifying hallucinations.
People with alcohol use disorder may develop Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome as it’s caused by a deficiency of vitamin B1. Symptoms of Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome include double-vision and a loss of coordination.
The Alzheimer’s Association suggests looking out for these key signs for when distinguishing between dementia and aging:
If you suspect that you or a loved one may be developing symptoms of dementia, it’s essential to seek medical help immediately. The sooner you catch dementia symptoms the better, as the doctor can then prescribe medication to slow its progression.
A physician will perform some cognitive tests to see whether you are exhibiting signs of dementia or natural aging. If you or the person tests positive, further tests like a brain scan will establish the degree of deterioration in the brain.
It can be very distressing for all concerned if a loved one is developing memory loss. You can help to support them at this difficult time by treating them with kindness and being there when they need you.
If a diagnosis is positive, planning for the future is essential so you or your loved one can get as much as possible from life. Get in touch with our friendly team of experts here at Landmark Senior Living and we’ll help out. We have a dedicated memory care program called MorningStar for anyone struggling with memory care issues.