How to Curve Early Signs of Dementia

Early symptoms of dementia can be seen in many different ways. Understanding what it is, what is causing it, and how to help prevent it can dramatically change the life of you or a loved one.

According to the World Health Organization, Dementia is an umbrella term for several different diseases that affect memory, thinking, and the ability to perform daily activities. Over time, these different diseases destroy nerve cells and damage the brain which typically leads to deteriorating cognitive function (basically the ability to process thought). This impairment in cognitive function is commonly followed by changes in mood, emotional control, behavior, or motivation.

Early signs and symptoms of Dementia are:

• forgetting things or recent events

• losing or misplacing things

• getting lost easily

• being confused in familiar places

• losing track of time

• difficulties solving problems or making decisions

• trouble following conversations or finding words

• difficulties performing familiar tasks

• misjudging distances to objects

• feeling anxious, sad, or upset about memory loss

• personality changes or inappropriate behavior

• withdrawal from work or social activities

• being less interested in other peoples emotions

There are many factors that can increase the risk of developing dementia that include:

• age (more common in those 65 and older)

• high blood pressure

• high blood sugar (diabetes)

• being overweight

• history of smoking

• drinking too much alcohol

• being physically inactive

• being socially isolated

• depression

Unfortunately there is no cure for dementia, however, there is a lot that can be done to support both people with the illness and those who care for them.

To help prevent and improve symptoms of dementia:

• stay physically active

• eat healthy

• stop smoking and drinking alcohol

• regular check ups with your doctor

• write down everyday tasks and appointments to help remember important things

• keep up your hobbies or start new ones

• do things that you enjoy

• try new ways to stimulate your mind

• spend time with friends and family and engage in community life

While there are many ways to improve the way of life for those with dementia, it can feel like it is a full time job trying to implement all of the different ways to improve those symptoms. If you are a loved one trying to help, don't worry you aren't supposed to be able to do all of that. However, that is where additional aids can carry the rest of the load. A nursing home is often times not the answer, instead the best way to help your loved one can be through homecare. A homemaker in the house can assist with the daily tasks that your loved one will need, while also allowing them to improve these symptoms by:

• providing transportation to

  • social activities

  • hobbies

  • physical activities

  • regular check ups

• cooking and improving their diet

• reminders for medication and daily tasks and appointments

• do hobbies with

• play games with

• have good conversations with

• help stay active

• do daily tasks that are needed

These are just some of the ways that home care can improve the life of your loved one. Whether it be from improving symptoms of dementia, improving mental or physical healthy, or the overall quality of life, in most cases home care is the best solution for your loved one. If you are interested, call us at (860) 382-4625 or Contact Us