Dementia Symptoms Now What

Dementia Symptoms there will likely be noticeable decrease in communication, learning, remembering, impaired judgement, memory loss and problem solving.  These changes may happen quickly or very slowly over time.

 

What is dementia?  

 

What are the symptoms and signs of dementia?

Dementia is a collection of symptoms including memory loss, personality change, and diminished intellectual functions that result from illness or some form of trauma to the brain.  These changes are not part of normal aging and are severe enough to affect daily living, independence, and relationships.  While Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of dementia, in addition, there are many other forms, including vascular and mixed dementia.

 

A lot people experience lapses in memory as we get older.  It may be worrying and confusing to understand that something you took for granted isn't functioning and it used to.  However, learning to distinguish the symptoms and signs of dementia in normal aging can help to  either put your mind at rest or invite you to begin taking steps to slow or reverse the condition.  Some forgetfulness is normal and increasing memory loss may not be.  Some loss in clarity is related to dietarty deficiencies and imbalance and can be corrected through dietary changes, vitamins etc while other memory loss or dementia is progressive in nature so consult your doctor if you are concerned

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Whenever you don't appear to be remembering things as you did in the past, it could be extremely upsetting, even terrifying.  Facing up to the possibility of dementia or memory loss necessarily shifts your perceptions, relationships, and disposition.  But suffering from symptoms of dementia does not have to mean the end of your life.   The first step would be to understand what distinguishes normal memory loss from dementia symptoms, and how to recognize the various types of dementia.  The more you know about dementia, the further you can do to improve the outcome and plan appropriately.

 

So what do you do if you have one of the progressive forms of dementia?  Sit down and talk to your family set up a plan to manage things.  It is important to understand when it is safe to live at home in the early stages and when it is not the best option.  

 

There are several housing assisted living options that may be appropriate the first is standard assisted living in a apartment setting in a community setting.  This is appropriate for those who are in the earlier stages and are safe in an apartment setting.  The next is a Memory care facility which usually is for those with advanced dementia that need more one on one observation.  Group homes are also an excellent option for all stages unless the individual wanders during the night time ours which can be disruptive to the group home when the other residents are sleeping.  Speaking with an experienced  assisted living referral agency who employ healthcare professionals like the ones at A Caring Hand for Mom is a good step as they will help you to understand the options available and costs for the various options which may vary widely.