Understanding Dementia: Beyond Forgetfulness
- Memory Loss that Disrupts Daily Activities: Forgetting recent conversations, important appointments, or frequently needing reminders for routine tasks.
- Difficulties with Planning and Problem-Solving: Struggling with tasks like managing finances, following recipes, or making decisions about daily activities.
- Challenges Completing Familiar Tasks: Difficulty performing previously manageable tasks like playing cards, getting dressed independently, or using household appliances.
- Disorientation in Time and Place: Getting lost in familiar surroundings, losing track of dates or seasons, or experiencing confusion about the time of day.
- Visual and Spatial Issues: Trouble judging distances, difficulties recognizing objects, or challenges navigating familiar spaces.
- Language Problems: Struggling to find the right words, following conversations, or experiencing changes in speech patterns.
- Misplacing Things and Inability to Retrace Steps: Placing items in unusual locations and forgetting where they were put.
- Poor Decision-Making: Making risky financial choices or neglecting personal hygiene.
- Social Withdrawal: Losing interest in hobbies, social activities, or withdrawing from previously enjoyed interactions.
- Mood Changes and Personality Shifts: Becoming easily upset, withdrawn, anxious, suspicious, or exhibiting personality changes unfamiliar to loved ones.
Diagnosis and Daily Living with Dementia
Diagnosing dementia involves a series of steps, including medical history reviews and cognitive assessments. While there’s no cure, early detection helps manage symptoms and plan for the future. The team at Ivory facilitates these Cognitive Health Checkups that detect modifiable risk factors that help minimize cognitive decline. It is recommended for everyone above 40.Â
The progression of dementia varies, with each stage presenting its own challenges. Early stages involve mild memory lapses, while later stages may require greater dependence on others.
Taking Charge of Your Health: Early Detection and Intervention
- Recognizing Early Signs: Pay attention to changes in memory, behavior, and mood.
- Consulting Healthcare Professionals: Seeking medical advice early allows for timely diagnosis and personalized care plans.
- Creating a Supportive Environment: Making adjustments at home and in daily routines can help manage symptoms and promote independence.
Embracing Support and Stay Connected
- Joining Support Groups: Meeting others facing similar challenges can provide understanding and shared experiences.
- Exploring Community Services: Many communities offer services like transportation assistance and senior centers that provide stimulating activities.
- Family and Caregiver Support: Taking care of yourself is just as important as caring for your loved one. Seek help and guidance when needed.
Dementia can develop at any age, but the risk increases significantly after 65. However, some forms of dementia, like early-onset Alzheimer’s, can appear in individuals as young as 30. This highlights the importance of early detection and proactive management, regardless of age. Whether you’re navigating the early signs or supporting a loved one through advanced stages, every step in this journey deserves compassion, understanding, and dedicated care.
Additionally, Dementia India Alliance offers a helpline for caregivers. Manned by expert professionals in Dementia care. Whether you’re struggling with challenging behaviours or need help accessing care, the helpline is there for you. Save the number —8585990990— and share it far and wide.
Remember, you are not alone in this journey. Together, we can create a community where every senior living with dementia feels valued, understood, and supported.
Written by: Ivory, an organisation dedicated to enhancing brain health and memory care for older adult.Â
