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Could Your Aging Parent Have Dementia?

February 9, 2016

Elder Care in Hobe Sound FL

Elder Care in Hobe Sound FLIt is not uncommon for adults to experience some memory loss as they age. If your aging parent is beginning to seem “forgetful” or beginning to forget things that they normally would remember, you may feel concerned and wonder if their memory loss is just a normal part of aging or if it is a sign of something more serious. The truth is, memory loss isn’t the only early warning sign of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Here is a list of some of the early signs of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. If your aging parent is experiencing some or all of these signs, it is important that they visit their doctor. When Alzheimer’s disease and dementia is caught early enough, it can be treated and the progression can be slowed.
Memory Loss This is probably the most well-known early sign of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. While some forgetfulness is a normal part of aging, memory loss that interferes with your aging parent’s daily life is not. Forgetting a name or an appointment on occasion but remembering it later may just be an age-related change, but forgetting the names of loved ones, important birthdays or anniversaries, or something that was very recently learned could be the sign of something more serious.
Difficulties with Words and/or Numbers If your parent suddenly begins to have difficulty with everyday tasks that involve words and numbers such as balancing a checkbook, reading a recipe, or even finding the right words to say or write, it could indicate possible Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. With dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, your parent may have trouble solving simple problems or participating in conversations the way they normally would.
Losing Items Misplacing things like keys, the remote, or a wallet can be something that happens to most adults on occasion, but usually adults and seniors can retrace their steps and find the lost item eventually. With dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, your aging parent may lose and item but not be able to eventually find it. Or, they may have placed it in an unusual spot such as putting a non-food item in the refrigerator or freezer. It is also not uncommon for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia to claim that someone has stolen an item that they have lost.
Other Signs Other early signs of Alzheimer’s include confusion about dates, time, or places, changes in mood, and withdrawing from social activities. Source: http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_10_signs_of_alzheimers.asp
If you or an aging loved one are considering in-home elder care in Hobe Sound, FL, contact the caring staff at BrightStar Care of Jupiter. Call today (561) 741-1200.