Dementia refers to the impairment of cognitive function. Senior citizens are at higher risk of developing symptoms, as the parts of the brain that form and retrieve memories can deteriorate as a person ages. Over time, this can make simple tasks difficult. To determine whether your loved one needs dementia care provided by an assisted living facility, here are a few clues that they are in the early stages of this condition.

What Are the Common Symptoms of Dementia?

1. Changes to Primary Memory

Primary or short-term memory refers to the ability to retain and retrieve information for a limited period. Common examples include remembering where an object was placed or recalling and understanding the previous sentence when reading a book.

If your senior's forgetfulness is becoming more frequent, they could be entering the early stages of dementia. This issue can complicate their daily life, as they can overlook important appointments or forget to take medication.

2. Mood Swings

Dementia causes the loss of neurons in parts of the brain that regulate mood. When a person is in the early stages of this condition, you may notice mild to moderate changes in their mood or personality.

For example, your loved one could seem depressed, frightened, or anxious more often than usual. Typically, it's difficult for them to notice these changes in themselves at first. 

3. Poor Judgement

The parts of the brain responsible for understanding and processing information are often affected by dementia. If your loved one experiences this condition, they could start having difficulty making wise decisions that protect them from harm. For example, they might not properly judge the distance between their car and the one ahead of them while driving, increasing the risk of an accident.

If you suspect your loved one needs dementia care, contact the professionals at Country Villa Assisted Living in Omro, WI. The retirement home provides residents with memory and personal care, fun activities, and medication management. The assisted living facility also offers senior housing in Freedom, Pulaski, and Little Chute. Learn more about their amenities online, and call (920) 685-0607 to reach a team member at the Omro location.