4 Early Warning Signs of Dementia and How Comfort Keepers of Edina Can Help
Are you concerned about dementia? Worried that the changes in your loved one’s behavior aren’t just part of aging, but maybe a sign of something serious? Knowing the early warning signs can help you identify if your loved one is showing signs of dementia and get them the care they need. Comfort Keepers, located in Edina, is passionate about providing personalized in-home care services to keep seniors and other adults with cognitive conditions remain safe, and in the comfort of their homes. In fact, we have been a leader of in-home care throughout the Edina community for over 10 years. In this blog post, we will explore 4 early warning signs of dementia so that you can better understand what to look out for.
Before we dive into the warning signs, here are a couple of statistics about dementia:
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are approximately 50 million people living with dementia globally, with nearly 10 million new cases diagnosed each year.
Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia, accounting for up to 70% of all cases.
Dementia disproportionately affects older adults, with the risk increasing significantly after age 65. In fact, one in ten people over the age of 65 has some form of dementia.
Women are more likely than men to develop dementia. This is partly due to women's longer life expectancy compared to men.
Dementia has a significant impact on caregivers and families. In the United States alone, it's estimated that unpaid caregivers provide over 18 billion hours of care per year for individuals with dementia.
Memory Loss
Memory loss is one of the most significant signs of dementia, and difficulty remembering recent events or conversations can be an especially trying symptom of this condition. At Comfort Keepers, we provide assistance to help those facing memory issues related to dementia. For example, we can set reminders for medications, develop shared calendars to keep track of upcoming events, and provide a trained caregiver to assist with personal care and companionship when needed (up to 24 hours).
Language Difficulties
Language difficulties are an early warning sign of dementia and can manifest in a variety of ways. Whether it's struggling with the right word, forgetting the names of people or things, or misusing them, these are all signs that something more serious may be happening. At Comfort Keepers, we can assist by keeping conversations engaging and stimulating, which keeps the mind sharp and active. Through respite care, we also provide family caregivers with a well-deserved break to focus on other needs. Dementia is an emotionally draining disease, but with the right support system, people affected by it can live comfortably.
Disorientation in Time and Place
Disorientation in time and place is one of the most common signs of dementia. Symptoms include not being able to remember what day or date it is, forgetting the location of their home, or getting lost in familiar places. These symptoms can easily make someone feel vulnerable, lost, and aggravated. At Comfort Keepers, we provide transportation services to ensure that seniors and other adults in our care get from point A to point B safely.
Difficulty Following Directions or Performing Tasks
Poor problem-solving, such as difficulty following directions or performing simple tasks, can be an early warning sign of dementia. If your loved one is having trouble completing everyday activities, that they used to be able to do with ease, it may be time to seek out help. Our compassionate caregivers can help your senior loved one remain independent and complete daily-living activities with a little bit of support.
Comfort Keepers Can Help
Dementia and its symptoms are not a normal part of aging. If you believe that your loved one may have Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, it is time to seek medical help and diagnosis. Comfort Keepers has helped many seniors and their families after a dementia diagnosis. We provide in-home care services in Edina and the surrounding Minnesota communities. Please remember that a dementia diagnosis does not mean that your loved one is automatically unable to remain in the comfort of their home, safely. We can help.
