Top 10 Signs of Dementia

“Where is my phone?”

“What day is it again?”

“I know you, but I just can’t seem to recall your name.”

“I was in the middle of something, but I’ve lost my train of thought and…”

In the moment, it may not seem like a big deal.

Mom sometimes forgets where she placed her phone. Now and then, she thinks that it’s Monday, but it’s Tuesday. Recalling a person’s name can be a challenge for anyone. I won’t worry about Mom forgetting her niece’s name. That’s nothing to stress about, right? She’s getting older and just a little forgetful, that’s all.

What is Dementia?

Diagnosing dementia isn’t an easy task. According to the Mayo Clinic, dementia is not a specific disease but describes a group of symptoms such as declining memory or other thinking skills severe enough to impact a person’s ability to perform daily tasks.

Signs of Dementia

While memory loss is one key factor in diagnosing dementia, memory loss alone does not always correlate with dementia. Researchers have found that in addition to memory loss, there are several other warning signs that can lead to early detection. Did you know that a change in mood and withdrawal from work and social activities are signs of dementia? According to the Alzheimer’s Association, there are ten signs of dementia (Refer to Graphic).

To confirm if your loved one has dementia or simply has declining memory loss, it’s critical to visit a doctor to make a determination. If a doctor diagnoses your loved one with dementia, you will learn that there are several types. Alzheimer’s disease is the most prevalent type of dementia. In fact, studies show that it accounts for 60% to 80% of cases. Other types are:

  • Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB)
  • Vascular Dementia
  • Mixed Dementia
  • Parkinson’s Disease
  • Frontotemporal Dementia
  • Creutzfeldt – Jakob disease
  • Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus
  • Huntington’s disease
  • Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome

 Care

At Summerset Assisted Living Community, we welcome clients of all needs. As part of our entrance process, all potential residents must undergo a full medical evaluation so that our staff can properly meet their care needs. SALC’s Memory Lane program features specific techniques for assisting residents with memory impairments.The program also offers special activities focused on providing appropriate amounts of stimulation and exercise. Learn more about Memory Lane.

Now that you know the signs and types of dementia, we’ll discuss the prevalence of dementia in ethnic populations in our next post. Follow us on social media and follow our blog to stay up to date.

Your Home Away from Home | Located in Atlanta, Georgia, Summerset Assisted Living Community is focused on providing top quality, excellent, compassionate care for those we serve. Schedule a tour today! 

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