Many seniors aged 50 and over worry about the health of their cognitive functioning, especially since it is common for people in these age groups to begin experiencing lapses in memory. While occasional forgetfulness is not a major concern, the following dementia signs should raise red flags.

Mild forgetfulness is a normal part of aging—and should not be construed as being a symptom of dementia. For example, seniors may require more time to learn new things, especially in comparison to the lightning speed at which they picked up new information in their younger years.

Another instance of normal age-related memory loss is when a senior forgets to pay a bill once in a while. The aforementioned examples point to the reality of mild forgetfulness that countless seniors experience and do not indicate serious memory problems.

Families should be concerned when their elderly loved ones persistently experience memory difficulties and cognition problems or are challenged in carrying out ordinary tasks that came easily to them in prior years. Changes to the brain may have occurred when seniors face these obstacles.

Serious memory problems interfere with the ability of affected seniors to independently perform the activities of daily living. Driving and using a phone are much harder for people with dementia. Similarly, a senior with severe memory issues will have trouble finding her way back home.

Dementia itself is not a disease. Rather, dementia is an umbrella term used to describe the changes in the brain that cause individuals to lose their ability to manage daily life tasks. Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementia are just two of several leading causes of dementia.

When damage initially occurs within the hippocampus region of the brain (which is involved in the formation of memories) and spreads, Alzheimer’s disease is likely to have developed. Chronic problems with mood, behavior and thinking may be signs of Lewy body dementia.

1. Ordinary tasks become a challenge

Medical experts who have studied dementia reveal multiple warning signs that families should watch for when dealing with memory issues experienced by senior loved ones. Feeling unusually challenged to perform everyday tasks could be an early warning sign of dementia.

As dementia sets in, the senior may find it difficult to follow a recipe when preparing an everyday meal. Keeping track of monthly bills becomes a major hurdle. Concentration is adversely affected; the senior may take longer to complete tasks; or she will have trouble finishing household duties.

2. Repetitive speech occurs

Mild or moderate Alzheimer’s disease may have developed when the senior engages in repetitive speech. She may ask the same questions over and over, despite being answered. Another indicator of the brain condition is repeatedly telling the same story about a recent event.

3. The senior gets lost

Errands, like grocery shopping or running to the post office, are a part of daily life. But when dementia strikes, the senior may find getting around town to be a major obstacle. Due to the difficulties with visual and spatial abilities, the senior will get lost, even in familiar settings.

4. Unusual personality changes develop

Changes in personality are associated with various types of dementias, particularly Lewy body dementia and frontotemporal disorders. The senior may become unusually confused or suspicious of even caregivers and family members. A loss of interest in normally enjoyable activities is common.

5. Self-care is neglected

A senior who has developed dementia may no longer engage in self-care tasks. Personal hygiene activities, such as bathing and shaving, might be neglected. The elderly individual may struggle to cook in the kitchen, fail to eat healthy meals or behave in ways that compromise her personal safety.

6. A lack of judgment occurs

Poor judgement in an otherwise sensible senior is a warning sign of dementia. The individual affected by the condition may become reckless about financial matters, and can be easily scammed. Families are urged to pay attention when irresponsible spending occurs.

7. Confusion about time and place arises

If the senior no longer recalls how she arrived at a specific destination, families have reason to suspect dementia. Additionally, the aging person may not remember where she is. Another indication of the brain condition is when the senior becomes disoriented about time and forgets what day it is.

While the abovementioned signs can point to dementia, some seniors may instead experience mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Although the brain changes are less severe with MCI than those caused by dementia, the senior can experience a noticeable decline but still perform daily activities.

When seniors show early signs of dementia, families should consider planning for future care. Remaining in the family home for as long as possible is beneficial, as it provides dementia patients with a reassuring sense of familiarity and security. Assisting Hands Home Care makes aging in place possible.

We are a recognized leader in senior care, offering compassionate in-home memory care as a part of our core services. Our in-home caregivers are specially trained to provide the best form of care for those experiencing dementia symptoms. We are able to continually monitor seniors with either hourly care or 24-hour care options. If the senior experiences incontinence, we provide discreet hygiene assistance.

While our caregivers support seniors in all the activities of daily living, from help in the bathroom to meal preparation, we are also excellent companions. Our care recipients receive undivided attention from caregivers who engage in conversations, start craft projects or take them on safe outings.

When you are seeking reliable memory care for a senior living with dementia, do not hesitate to choose Assisting Hands Home Care. We provide compassionate dementia care to seniors in any stage of dementia in BallenIsles, Boynton Beach, Jupiter, North Palm Beach, Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Royal Palm Beach, Singer Island, Wellington, West Palm Beach, and the surrounding areas. Call us at (561) 566-5989  to schedule an in-home consultation and start dementia care today.