Warning Signs that Could Indicate Dementia

Dementia is not a single disease, but rather a collection of symptoms. These symptoms include decline in memory, thinking, and communication that impact daily living. Contrary to what some people believe, this is not a normal part of aging, and not all memory problems are the result of dementia. However, recognizing warning signs can help you to be more proactive in your senior’s health and seek necessary care. Here are some signs to be aware of:

Confused by the time and place. Those with dementia often have trouble recalling the day of the week, date, or time. They may not remember where they are or how they got there. In addition, they may not be aware of how much time has passed.

Trouble completing tasks. Problems with memory and thinking can make it more difficult to complete daily tasks. Usually the struggle appears first with more complex activities that require more planning or problem solving. It may take them much longer to do things or they may need multiple reminders or prompts. Following recipes or balancing their checkbook can become more difficult and they may make multiple errors.

Word finding difficulties. You may notice that your loved one has trouble coming up with familiar words for different items or does not use the correct word. Or they may lose their place in the middle of a conversation or repeat the same thing over again. Dementia can also make it more difficult to follow along in a conversation or story and recall what is happening.

Leaving things in unusual places. Have you found their glasses in the cabinet or the remote in the refrigerator? Trouble with memory can lead to misplacing items and having trouble retracing steps to find them. Your loved one may even accuse others of stealing if they are unable to find things.

Changing mood or personality. Dementia can affect judgment and behavior. The person may become more easily agitated or confused. They may withdraw from activities or act out of character. Confusion may lead them to become anxious or fearful of going out or engaging in different activities.

Short term memory problems. Memory loss often begins with trouble remembering things in the short term – what they ate for lunch or why they went to a certain place. They may have little trouble remembering things from years past, but difficulty recalling the past few days.

While not all memory, thinking, or communication problems are indicative of dementia, they are worth paying attention to. If you notice several signs or that your loved one seems to be struggling more than usual, it may be time to seek help. Early detection can help you to better support your loved one and take preventive or precautionary measures.

Ways to Help your Senior Avoid Loneliness and Isolation

As seniors age, there are many factors that can affect their socialization. They may have more trouble getting around, friends may have passed away, or they may suffer from conditions such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. All of these changes can impact mental health and lead to feelings of loneliness or depression. There are many ways in which family members and friends can help a senior to stay connected and involved:

• Plan frequent visits: Coordinate with siblings or other family members to arrange frequent visits with your loved one. It could be for a long weekend, a day, or even just an evening. Taking turns can ensure that everyone gets to spend time with your loved one and no one feels as though they are the only one providing care.
• Connect via video chat programs: Programs such as Skype or ooVoo can also you to see and talk to your senior via the Internet. When traveling to see them is not an option, this can let them know you care and give them an opportunity to socialize and talk about their day or any concerns they may have.
• Hire an in-home caregiver: There are many wonderful caregivers who can provide your senior with companionship as well as help with activities of daily living. This can give you the peace of mind of knowing that someone is there to check in on them and provide assistance as needed. Your loved one can look forward to the visits as well.
• Get a pet: A dog or cat can be a wonderful companion for your senior and help them to stay active. Caring for a pet can give them a sense of purpose and also boost their mood. Just make sure that they are capable of providing adequate care.
• Get involved with a senior or community group: Find a local senior center or community group that has activities and events for your loved one to get involved in. This can help them to socialize and make friends with similar interests. They can have fun doing things that they enjoy and being in the company of others.
• Provide transportation: One thing that can prevent your senior from being as social as they would like can be transportation. If they are no longer able to drive, they may not be able to get to various activities or to see their friends. Make arrangements for transportation so that they are able to get out and about.

Providing your loved one with opportunities to spend time with family or friends and get involved in activities that they enjoy can do wonders for their mental health and wellbeing. Recognize the signs of depression as well as hearing and vision loss and remain proactive to ensure that your loved one does not isolate themselves or feel withdrawn from others. There are many ways to help them overcome these challenges and stay active and upbeat.

Common Vision Problems for Seniors

There are many factors that can affect one’s vision. As people age, they may develop more serious eye diseases that can impact not only their vision but in turn, their quality of life. Seniors may not realize that their vision is decreasing until the condition has become more noticeable. Many of these diseases progress gradually. However, early detection is essential in prevention, treatment, and management of these conditions.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma occurs when there is a buildup of fluid and pressure in the eye. This can cause damage to the optic nerve. Loss of peripheral vision may be noticed first, but without proper care, it can lead to more extensive vision loss or even blindness. Treatment is available to help slow the progression and support existing vision.

Cataracts

Cataracts form when protein builds up on the lens of the eye. This is a very common occurrence in the elderly and can cause blurry and reduced visions as well as make colors appear less vibrant. Usually the condition becomes more evident as vision continues to decrease. Medicated eye drops can help slow the progression and surgery can be used to remove cataracts and replace lenses to restore vision.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

This condition impacts central vision, which is essential for proper eyesight. Without clear central vision, driving, reading, watching television, and other activities become increasingly difficult. Seniors develop more difficulty seeing details in objects and could have problems recognizing faces because of the impaired central vision. However, it will not cause complete blindness because it does not affect peripheral vision. While there currently is no cure, treatment can help to slow the progression and maximize remaining vision.

Diabetic Retinopathy

For those aging with diabetes, diabetic retinopathy can be a serious concern. When blood sugar is uncontrolled, it can lead to damage of the blood vessels in the eye. This can in turn lead to impaired vision. Vision can become cloudy or distorted and there is risk of detaching the retina. It is essential that those with diabetes learn how to properly monitor and manage their blood sugar for better overall health and to reduce their risk of developing this condition.

Since many of these conditions may not be readily noticeable, regular eye exams can help to identify problems early on. This can lead to more effective treatment or preventive measures. Other conditions they may experience include dry eye, the appearance of floaters, corneal diseases, and eyelid problems. These can all impact quality of life and vision. Seniors can remain proactive about their vision and help to protect it for as long as possible by having regular exams and maintaining good health practices.