As your senior loved one ages, their needs, health, and abilities will change, and you may notice their memory start to decline. If they are developing dementia, recognizing the warning signs will allow you to seek out the treatment and home health care services they need to manage and slow the progress of their condition. Here are some of the main symptoms of dementia to watch for.

A Guide to the Warning Signs of Dementia

1. Sudden Changes in Personality

A person living with dementia may exhibit behaviors, mood shifts, and personality changes that seem out of character. For instance, someone once friendly and outgoing may withdraw from their loved ones and social activities. You might notice your loved one becoming more confused, suspicious, fearful, or depressed, or swinging from one mood to another for no apparent reason.

2. Difficulty Performing Routine Tasks

Many seniors are happy living in the comfort of their home as they age in place. However, dementia can make it difficult to live independently. They may forget how to perform familiar tasks, such as cooking a favorite meal or driving to a known location. In these instances, home health care services are especially important for ensuring your loved one can continue living at home safely and comfortably.

3. Poor Judgment & Decision-Making Skills

It is not unusual for people to exhibit poor judgment from time to time, but individuals with dementia often demonstrate a pattern of inappropriate decisions and actions. Sometimes these can be detrimental to their health and safety. They might neglect to brush their teeth or wash up, consistently make poor financial decisions, or wander out of the house and walk into a busy street.

4. Problems With Speaking or Writing

As their memory begins to diminish, a person with dementia may have difficulty holding a conversation or writing notes and letters. Your loved one might forget simple words, stop in the middle of a sentence, or repeat themselves. They may substitute words that don’t make sense, making it difficult to understand them.

5. Serious Memory Loss

Nobody remembers everything, but those with dementia forget important things quickly and more often. If you notice a loved one has difficulty retaining new information, such as a name or location you just mentioned, this is a common sign of dementia. Additionally, forgetting dates and appointments is not unusual, but those with this condition will typically not recall them later.

If you or a loved one needs help with Activities of Daily Living (ADL), which includes meal preparation, light housekeeping, toileting and bathing, trust the professionals at Deer Valley Home Health Services in St. Louis, MO. There’s also the option of arranging for private duty nurse visits, if you do not qualify for Medicaid. Call (314) 355-3679 to discuss your specific needs, or visit them online to learn more about their home health care services.