Those who provide care for an aging relative or friend should be aware of the warning symptoms of dementia, a disorder characterized by a gradual decline in mental capacity. By understanding these warning signs, you'll know when it's time to enlist the services of a reliable dementia care professional. To better understand what the early stages of dementia look like, consult the guide below. 

Early Indicators of Dementia

Misplacing keys or missing a doctor's appointment are common occurrences. If, however, your parent routinely misses appointments or becomes disoriented in familiar environments, you may want to consider hiring a home care professional to assist them. Problematic memory loss is an early indicator of dementia.

Repeated shifts in mood from euphoria to depression and back are another red flag for dementia. Personality shifts and episodes of irritation and impatience may become more common. If a normally reserved person suddenly becomes more gregarious, a senior care physician should be consulted.

How to Tell When It's Time for Dementia Care

When you find out that your loved one has dementia, working with a reputable doctor as soon as possible is key. With a physician's help, you can manage how the disease progresses. In the early stages, your loved one may not require much assistance other than placing reminders around the house. As time goes on, though, they will likely start to become more forgetful, have difficulty recalling familiar faces or names, not know where they are, and be unable to properly care for themselves. Once they hit these mid-to-late stages of dementia, hiring a professional is crucial. These experts will ensure your loved one remains safe and engaged at all times. 

If you have a senior loved one in your life with Alzheimer's disease and are seeking top-quality care for them, look no further than St. Charles Community in Covington, KY. With a caring staff and a broad range of dementia care services, they have everything needed to ensure your loved one remains healthy and happy. Visit them online or call (859) 331-3224 to learn more.