

Various drugs can reduce both cognitive and functional decline, contributing a higher quality of life. While there is no cure for dementia, both therapy and medication can be used to manage the associated symptoms and delay its progression. It is also common for dementia seniors to visit more than one specialist in search for an accurate diagnosis, given the fact that their symptoms might be attributed to other conditions as well. Often times, family members can attest to changes characteristic of dementia. They might also perform a physical examination, lab tests, and make inquiries with regard to daily functioning. To reach a conclusion, physicians will take into consideration the patient's medical history. There is no specific test that can be used to confirm the diagnosis of dementia. Locate memory care facilities in your state In consequence, memory loss is considered to be one of the earliest symptoms of this form of dementia. With Alzheimer's disease, for instance, the region responsible for the memory is often the first affected. The manifestations exhibited depend on the area that has been affected, such as the one responsible for memory or language. It is known that dementia appears as a result of damage to brain cells. Due to these symptoms, seniors become prone to wandering and injuries, requiring constant supervision and assistance.ĭespite the extensive research, researchers have yet to find the cause of dementia. With advanced stages, personality changes, odd behaviors, and hallucinations might occur. In most cases, seniors will experience emotional upswings, irritation, agitation, confusion, disorientation. They might suffer from depression and anxiety, feeling gloom about the future. Acknowledging the signs of dementia, seniors might become withdrawn, avoiding social interaction. Unfortunately, dementia will also affect one's behavior and emotional stability. It might become impossible to remember recent events or even the names of their loved ones. They might forego personal hygiene, having difficulties performing daily chores and showing severe forgetfulness. Seniors might have impaired decision-making and problem-solving abilities, not being able to distinguish between right and wrong. It can take time before an actual diagnosis is sought, but the symptoms will only become worse. In many cases, the respective person also realizes the changes, blaming the aging process instead.

It will also affect one's behavior and personality.įamily members are often the first to notice that something is wrong. Progressing over time, dementia reaches a point where it becomes severe enough to impair everyday living. There is also mixed dementia, a condition in which seniors can suffer from more than one form.

It is worth mentioning that Alzheimer's disease is the most common. Seniors can suffer from different forms, including Alzheimer's disease, Lewy Body dementia, vascular dementia, frontotemporal dementia, etc. What is dementia?Īs mentioned above, dementia refers to the abnormal brain changes that occur in certain people. These communities are best equipped to help people with dementia, providing a safe and structured environment in which they can live and manage their symptoms. In this situation, it is recommended to make the transition into memory care. Even when family members assume the roles of caregivers, it might not be enough. Seniors suffer gradually from impaired functioning, becoming unable to live on their own. Common manifestations include memory loss, cognitive decline, and language impairment. Dementia can be seen as an umbrella term for all the changes occurring in the brain in certain people, most often senior adults.
