Many family caregivers worry about their older relatives having dementia. They may wonder if the senior’s behavior and memory are normal. Knowing the signs of dementia can either allay your fears or prompt you to seek medical care. Below are 5 signs that an older adult may have dementia.

#1: Problematic Memory Loss

Everyone misplaces their keys or reading glasses now and then. That’s perfectly normal. However, if your aging relative’s memory loss is causing problems in their day-to-day life, it could be dementia. In fact, according to the Alzheimer’s Association, memory loss is one of the most common symptoms. People in the early stages of the disease have difficulty retaining newly learned information, so they may forget about appointments, recent events, or conversations. You might notice them relying heavily on writing notes and setting reminders on a smartphone.

#2: Apathy

Apathy is a lack of interest in usual activities. People with early stage dementia may seem uninterested in activities and hobbies they used to enjoy. Someone who used to be an avid sports fan may stop following their favorite team. It’s also common for seniors with dementia to not want to engage with friends and family members. They may stop attending morning coffee gatherings or a weekly lunch with a group of friends or be disinterested in grandchildren visiting.

#3: Making Bad Decisions

Dementia can rob your aging relative of their ability to make good decisions. They might fall for a scam that others would readily identify. They may also make bad financial decisions. Their poor judgement may also extend to their personal hygiene. An older adult with dementia may stop paying attention to how they look or whether they are clean.

#4: Difficulty Planning Tasks

You might discover that your older family member is behind in paying their bills or having trouble managing their checking account. Dementia can make doing tasks that require multiple steps hard because the senior cannot plan the steps to follow. Even following the steps of a recipe can be a challenge because they don’t make sense.

#5: Personality Changes

Personality changes are a common sign of dementia. A senior who was always easy going may suddenly be irritable and “fly off the handle” easily. They might become suspicious and accuse people of stealing from them. They could also become depressed or anxious.

If your older family member has dementia, senior care can assist with their daily care. A senior care provider can make the difference in your loved one being able to remain safely at home rather than entering a long-term care facility. Senior care providers can come to the house to keep them safe, happy, and comfortable while family caregivers are at work or spending time with other family members. Senior care can even offer overnight care.

Sources
https://alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/10_signs
https://www.verywellhealth.com/memory-changes-98605

If You Or An Aging Loved One Are Considering Hiring Senior Care in Seminole, FL, Please Contact The Caring Staff At Assisting Hands Home Care Today! 727-748-4211.