Many people experience some health problems as they get older. Issues such as hearing loss, vision loss, and mild forgetfulness are very common. However, cognitive impairment from dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease is different than normal aging. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, over 7 million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer’s Disease (a specific type of dementia), with that number expected to rise over time. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of dementia can help ensure a person receives early intervention to manage their symptoms.
Cognitive Impairment: The First Sign of Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease
Cognitive impairment is when a person experiences memory loss, has trouble making decisions or focusing, and is not being able to make good judgements. This kind of impairment is often one of the first signs and symptoms of dementia and can affect many parts of a person’s life.
Someone with cognitive impairment may have trouble with:
- Keeping Appointments: They may miss several doctor’s appointments, or frequently forget scheduled visits with family and friends.
- Managing Medication: They may forget to take their medication, or they may accidentally take extra doses.
- Social Withdrawal: The person may no longer do the things he or she once did, such as going golfing, participating in book clubs, or other recreational activities that they once enjoyed. This can also lead to the person developing depression.
- Driving Mishaps: Occasionally scraping a curb is something many of us do. However, someone with dementia may be experiencing vision changes and loss of sense of space and time, meaning they might have larger and more frequent dings and dents in their car.
- Getting Lost: It is common for people with dementia to wander from home. They may walk several blocks away and become disoriented, or even drive away and find themselves unable to find their way home.
- Managing Finances: While many of us may pay a bill late, someone with cognitive impairment may have several missed payments on their bills. Additionally, you may notice unusual purchases.
- Hygiene and Housekeeping: Someone with dementia may no longer bathe regularly or perform normal household chores. Be on the lookout for unpleasant odors, piles of dirty dishes, and garbage that has accumulated.
What to do if You See Signs and Symptoms of Dementia in a Loved One?
If you believe your loved is showing signs and symptoms of dementia, there are many things you can do. First, you may want to schedule an appointment with the person’s primary care provider, who may refer you to a neurologist; there are different types of dementia, and knowing which one your loved one has may be important to exploring options for managing their symptoms.
Additionally, it is good idea to schedule a call with a memory care facility. Dementia is a degenerative disease, meaning that it gets worse over time. It is common for people with dementia to become dependent on others for their well-being and safety. Lauren Paules, Social Services Director at Barclay Friends, recommends starting the conversation with your loved one about moving to a memory care facility as soon as possible. “The longer you wait, the more pressing the move to a memory care home will become, and will likely be more stressful than if you started planning ahead of time.”
Paules suggests these tips for starting a conversation with a loved one:
- Be empathetic: Imagine yourself in their shoes and be mindful that your loved one will experience a lot of changes, including the loss of familiarity with their surroundings.
- Don’t take things personally: Your loved one may blame you or attempt to make you feel guilty. Remember that they are likely acting out of defensiveness and the need to blame someone. Respond calmly and remind them of the reason for moving in a way that shows you care (e.g., to keep them safe).
- Use Visuals: When having the conversation, show them photos of the memory care home, or explore the website with them so it doesn’t feel like an abstract idea.
Caring for the Caregiver
Finally, Paules encourages caregivers to practice empathy and compassion for themselves. “Be kind to yourself. Take breaks, make time for your own hobbies, be active, and prioritize sleep.” Additionally, caregivers should consider sharing responsibilities with other family members or seeking help from outside resources. “Either way, do not do this all on your own,” she says. Paules also recommends joining a support group that includes other caring for loved ones affected by dementia.