From the second the door swings open and your elderly loved one wraps you in a warm hug, through the merry holiday dinner and every timeless family tradition, opportunities abound for not just quality time together, but additionally to assess how your senior loved one is actually doing and if any warning flags that senior care is needed are noted.
In particular, there are specific indicators that may imply cognitive issues, including Alzheimer’s disease. Because Alzheimer’s has become increasingly common in older adults, and because timely detection and intervention are fundamental, the dementia care team at Independence-4-Seniors Home Care suggests checking for the following common early signs of Alzheimer’s disease during your holiday visit this season:
- Social differences. According to John Ramsay, CEO of Shift 8, “Dementia can cause people to become closed-off, avoiding any sense of social interaction.” Look closely at any indications both in the senior’s behavior and conversations that point to his/her preference for reclusiveness and isolation, especially if your senior loved one has regularly liked socializing.
- Mood swings. Depression, anxiety, and apathy are all early elements dementia. The illness impacts a person’s ability to process and manage emotions, often times caused by the inability to recall what caused a negative emotion, leading to additional irritation.
- Memory loss. Troubles with memory are at the root of Alzheimer’s disease, notably, short-term memory. Be aware of whether or not the senior generally seems to have trouble with present-day events, but is able to fully participate in conversations concerning the past.
- Difficulties with altered routines. Spotting disorientation, anxiety or agitation is typical during the holiday season, because of its possibility of interruptions to the normal routine. Those with Alzheimer’s are more likely to depend greatly on familiarity and may seem out of sorts when deviating from the norm.
- Physical differences. Notice any evidence of a decrease in hygiene or in the cleanliness and organization of the house, especially if your parent has until now been careful in maintaining a sense of order.
Any concerns should really be brought to the attention of the senior’s primary care doctor as quickly as possible.
And, it is helpful to have a trustworthy senior care partner readily available who is familiar with the intricacies of dementia as well as other challenges of aging, and will give you the professional assistance which makes it possible for aging parents to remain safe and well. Contact the Hinsdale IL home care experts at Independence-4-Seniors Home Care at (630) 323-4665 for more information on our highly skilled, professional dementia care team and for a free in-home consultation to discover how we can help.