Disclaimer: This blog post is not intended to give any specific medical or legal advice. If you have any questions about dementia or any medical condition, you should consult with a licensed medical professional.
Dementia is a condition that many people fear as they get older. While there is currently no cure, with an early diagnosis there is quite a bit that can be done to help slow its progress and ensure proper care is given. Learning about some of the most common signs of dementia can help to identify a problem early on so doctors can get involved. At this stage, you will want to contact us for help in updating their Will and other estate planning documents so that their true wishes are followed before the disease progresses.
Memory Loss
Memory loss is perhaps the most common and recognizable sign of dementia. Unfortunately, some form of memory loss is normal with aging so it can be missed or overlooked for quite some time. Watching for signs of memory loss that seems to be progressing faster than would be expected can help lead to an early diagnosis.
Difficulty with Motor Functions
Having difficulty with motor functions is something that may go unnoticed at first, or attributed to getting older. If your loved one’s motor functions are getting worse at an unexpectedly fast rate, or they suddenly lose the ability to do certain things, this is a red flag. In some cases, they will only have trouble with specific actions, and in others it may present as having difficulty with basic everyday functions.
Disorientation
If your loved one becomes disoriented in places that they have are familiar with, this can be an indication of dementia. If they can’t remember where the bathroom is at your home that they’ve visited hundreds of times, for example, this can be a sign. Even in places like doctor’s or dentist’s offices that they have been to many times in the past, they may become quite confused about where they are or why they are there.
Changes in Behavior
Many people who are in the earlier stages of dementia will begin experiencing pronounced changes in behavior. If your loved one was once a very easygoing person, they may become highly agitated. These changes in behavior often come and go, especially at first. Examples of these types of changes can include verbal outbursts, fits of anger, abusive comments, or even physical abuse.
Paranoia
Of all the early signs of dementia, paranoia is one of the most difficult to experience for many family members. This is a behavior that most people aren’t used to seeing in the individual, and it can be quite disturbing to observe. Patients often become suspicious of strangers or even of their loved ones who they have known their entire life. Some examples of this can be making accusations of theft, lying, and infidelity.
What to Do?
If you notice any of these signs of dementia, it is best to act quickly. The first thing you should do is begin scheduling appointments with doctors to seek an accurate diagnosis. This can help get the best treatment possible. In addition, you should contact us to begin establishing or updating the estate plan to ensure it reflects the wishes of the patient before they become unable to make changes.
