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Senior caregivers can attest that dementia develops slowly, and its earliest signs are easy to miss. If you’re caring for your elderly parents, familiarize yourself with the signs, so you can arrange for prompt intervention. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly slow the progression of the disease. Here’s what to keep on your radar.

3 Symptoms of Dementia

1. Difficulty Performing Simple Tasks

Dementia, even in its earliest stages, can make it challenging to perform simple tasks, like doing a load of laundry or cooking a familiar meal. If your aging parent starts having trouble with things that they’ve done a thousand times, arrange for a comprehensive medical evaluation. If they’re reluctant about seeing a doctor, ask their primary care physician to incorporate the evaluation into the next annual wellness exam.

2. Trouble Remembering

senior caregiverDementia is characterized by failing memory, and in its earliest stages, this usually applies to simple facts, like appointments and names. The condition can also cause confusion regarding time and place. For example, your parent may forget where they are or how much time has passed since arriving.

3. Misplacing Objects

People with dementia tend to misplace the items they use every day, like their wallet, car keys, and TV remote. Since they’re often in denial about their initial cognitive decline, they usually blame the missing objects on theft. This confusion typically causes a lot of frustration.

 

If one of your parents has dementia, your family can count on a qualified senior caregiver at Compass Homecare in Anchorage, AK. This facility has provided comprehensive in-home care for the elderly since 1980. Their highly trained team helps clients maintain their independence while ensuring their health and well-being. Visit the website to get more information about their services, or call (907) 276-6960 to speak with a senior caregiver.

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