If your loved one is experiencing a deterioration of memory and/or mental skills that seems to be above and beyond the normal aging process, they could be exhibiting dementia. According to the National Institute on Aging, dementia symptoms may include:
- Asking the same questions repeatedly
- Becoming lost in familiar places
- Being unable to follow directions
- Getting disoriented about time, people, and places
- Neglecting personal safety, hygiene, and nutrition
Dementia is a progressive deterioration caused by the death of brain cells. It may affect memory, mood (fear, anxiety, confusion, emotional stability), attention, communication, and problem solving abilities. Dementia itself is not a disease, but a set of symptoms.
These symptoms may be caused by a disease, such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis, and more. It also may the result of a stroke. Some symptoms may just mimic dementia (such as high fever, dehydration, underactive thyroid, brain tumor, emotional problems). Some conditions that cause these symptoms can be reversed, while unfortunatelly others can not.
Dementia is extremely common in seniors. According to WebMD, people rarely have dementia before age 60, but after age 85, up to half of all adults have it.
Dementia is both extremely frustrating for the person experiencing the symptoms, and for those caring for the person. It is important to research the condition, join a support group, and seek out responsible caregivers such as those available with Mom’s Best Friend Senior Care who can give you breaks when needed.
–Guest Blogger Claire Maestri, Director of Dallas/Ft. Worth Senior Care Services
