keeping the peace during a nursing home transition

Dementia is a term used in the medical field to cover a wide range of symptoms associated with the mental decline of a patient. According to Alzheimer's Association, 60 to 80 percent of dementia patients have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. The other cases are typically caused by some kind of trauma to the brain, such as a stroke. For a person to be diagnosed with dementia, they typically have to show a significant decline in at least two mental functions. This includes memory issues, communication issues, and impaired decision-making.

Forgetfulness

One sign of dementia is having difficulty recollecting things. This could be subtle things like walking into a room and not remembering exactly why you went in there to more extreme forgetfulness like remembering the time you took the kids to the beach, but not being able recall what you had for dinner the night before.

Along the same vein is forgetting words or having a difficult time trying to verbally express what you are thinking. People with dementia can also forget the meaning of words they have always known. If you are having a conversation with someone who has dementia, you may notice the person is having difficulty grasping what you are saying. They may also start having trouble doing everyday tasks, because they struggle remembering how to do it.

Another sign of dementia is forgetting directions. A trip to the store can become dangerous because the person cannot remember how to get back home.

Personality Changes

A person who is suffering with dementia may start to show a complete personality change. Someone who was always been a people-person may withdraw and become more of an introvert, and vice versa. They also may struggle with depression. Things they once loved to do may no longer hold any appeal to them. 

You may also notice that the person becomes repetitive. They may ask the same question over and over again even though you have already answered it several times or do the same tasks over and over again.

Decision Making

Someone who is showing signs of dementia may start to make poor decisions. They may start spending their money unwisely or going places they should not go.

Dementia is a serious condition that could be very dangerous to the person who is showing symptoms. If you are worried that someone you love is showing signs of dementia, schedule an appointment with a doctor as soon as possible. Click here for more information.