You completely forgot about the doctor’s appointment scheduled for last Tuesday, misplaced your keys for the umpteenth time, and cannot recall the name of your new neighbor for the life of you. Is it dementia or normal aging?
The worry over developing Alzheimer’s is common, leading to anxieties about our own potential loss of independence and functionality, as well as memory challenges. Furthermore, it raises questions regarding future care and living arrangements, if the time should come that assistance is necessary for you or your loved one to remain safe and meet daily needs independently.
However, it is essential to know there are many different triggers for forgetfulness which happen to be entirely unrelated to dementia, and some amount of memory impairment is simply part and parcel of aging. Recent statistics show that only 5% of older adults ages 71 – 79 actually have dementia, though that number increases to 37% for people aged 90 and over.
The initial step is to consult with your primary care doctor about any cognitive impairment you are experiencing, so you can receive a detailed diagnosis and treatment. Before your appointment, pay attention to details such as:
- When the impairment started
- Whether or not it was a gradual or sudden decline
- If it is affecting day to day life: getting dressed, eating, taking care of personal hygiene needs, etc.
The doctor will want to eliminate issues that can mimic dementia – for example, depression and delirium – as well as determine whether the problem may stem from medication side effects. Dementia progresses slowly, and in addition to memory deficits, may affect the ability to:
- Communicate
- Reason, judge, and problem-solve
- Focus and pay attention
For those diagnosed with dementia, or any other condition that affects the capacity to manage day to day life independently, Independence-4-Seniors Home Care is always here to provide just as much or as little help as necessary by thoroughly trained and experienced care professionals. Just some of the numerous ways we are able to help older adults with dementia or any other challenges to stay safe, comfortable, and independent at home include:
- Assistance with personal care needs, like showering and dressing
- Transportation to enjoyable outings and medical appointments
- Errand running
- Planning and preparing meals
- Household tasks
- Engaging activities and socialization
- And a lot more
Call us at (630) 323-4665 for a free in-home assessment for in-home care in DuPage County & the surrounding areas.