Dementia is a collection of symptoms occurring due to a variety of brain illnesses that affect one’s thinking, behavior, memory and the ability to perform everyday activities. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the number of people living with dementia worldwide is currently estimated at 47 million and is highly likely to increase to 75 million by 2030. What’s more, the WHO estimates that the number of cases of dementia will almost triple by 2050.
Short-term memory changes
One of the early symptoms of dementia is memory loss or subtle memory changes. Namely, the changes may involve a person remembering events from two or more years ago, but if you asked them what they had for breakfast the day before, they wouldn’t be able to recall. Furthermore, they may forget where they left certain items, or why they went to the bathroom or kitchen, and even what they said only a few minutes earlier. This will lead to often repetitiveness, in the sense that a person with dementia will shave twice, tell you a story more than once in the same day or even obsessively start collecting items.
Difficulty finding the right words
Struggling to communicate thoughts is another sign of dementia. If a person has difficulty explaining simple notions, or finding the right words to express their thoughts, they’re likely suffering from dementia. Therefore, keep in mind that if you’re talking to a person with dementia, you’ll have to be very patient because it may take longer and will be more difficult for them to explain what they need.
Inability to perform everyday tasks
Difficulties in doing everyday activities or more complex tasks like balancing a checkbook can be an early symptom of dementia. Also, playing games that have a lot of rules will be quite challenging for a person with dementia. Therefore, if you’ve noticed any of the aforementioned symptoms in your loved ones, maybe it’s time you looked for the best aged care facilities where they’ll feel comfortable and taken care of. They’ll have 24-hour care, they’ll be able to socialize with other seniors and feel at home. Furthermore, you’ll have a peace of mind knowing your loved one is in good hands all day, every day.
Confusion
If a person can no longer interact with other people normally, find the right words or remember faces, they’ll eventually become very confused. Confusion can also arise if a person can’t recall where they left their personal belongings, if they don’t recognize someone they’ve met before, or if they keep forgetting what they should do next during the day. This is also a good reason for you to look for aged care facilities for your loved ones, because they’ll have someone to talk to about their troubles at any given time, and they won’t be in harm’s way, as they’d be at home if they suddenly forgot to turn off the stove and potentially cause a fire hazard