Navigating Dementia - Inspir Senior Living

Navigating Dementia: From Symptoms to Support

by:
Inspīr Senior Living Team

At Inspīr, we believe in empowering our residents and their families with knowledge and understanding. Dementia affects millions worldwide, and its impact extends far beyond memory loss. In this comprehensive post, we'll explore the causes, symptoms, and treatments of dementia, providing you with valuable insights to navigate this challenging journey. Our commitment to exceptional care and cutting-edge approaches aligns perfectly with the latest research and best practices in dementia care. Join us as we delve into this crucial topic, arming you with the knowledge to make informed decisions and provide compassionate support for those affected by dementia.

 

Dementia Symptoms

While dementia can look different on everyone, there are some common signs and symptoms that many people experience. According to Healthline Magazine, those who receive a dementia diagnosis will usually experience two or more of these symptoms, all of which would be severe enough to interfere with daily activities. 

 

Short-term memory changes. Memory loss is a common symptom of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. You may notice your loved one forgetting what they had for breakfast or what they did earlier in the day. They may also find it difficult to recall information they have recently learned or rely on memory aids, like writing notes and memos, to keep track of things. While most people occasionally forget things more frequently as they age, they should be able to recall them later if the memory-loss is strictly age related.

 

Difficulty with problem-solving. A person with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia might find it difficult to follow instructions, such as directions or adding numbers to pay bills.

 

Growing difficulty with familiar tasks. Regular tasks might become increasingly challenging for those with dementia. For example, cooking dinner, getting to a familiar location or remembering regularly scheduled activities might get forgotten.

 

Misunderstanding visuals. Visual information, like reading or working out the differences between colors and shapes, might become more difficult to comprehend. Activities like driving or riding a bicycle might become challenging.

 

Problems with speaking and writing. As dementia progresses, communicating can become challenging. Staying engaged and following along in conversations can also become more arduous. 

 

Misplacing items. Those with dementia might forget where they have placed items they use often such as the telephone, remote control, important documents, car keys, or their wallet. This can lead to frustration, and they might even accuse people of stealing.

 

Mood and personality changes. Depression or a sudden shift in moods is also a characteristic of dementia. You might notice a change in reasoning skills or in individual traits. For example, if your loved one is usually patient, you might notice them becoming agitated more than normal.

 

Disengagement from friends and family. You might notice your loved one becoming uninterested in socializing with other people or becoming withdrawn. Those with dementia might also stop doing their favorite hobbies or avoid being with others.

 

Dementia Risk Factors and Causes

Experts are still researching what causes a person to develop dementia. However, there are many factors that contribute to dementia, some of which we can control and others we cannot. According to the Mayo Clinic, age and family history are linked to a higher risk of developing the disease. The risk of dementia rises as you age, especially after age 60. Those with a family history of dementia are at a greater risk of developing the condition. However, it’s important to note that many people with a family history of dementia never develop symptoms.

 

Other risk factors for dementia such as diet and exercise, alcohol consumption and quality sleep can be controlled. Research has shown that those who followed a healthy lifestyle lowered their risk of cognitive decline. This includes eating a well-balanced diet and prioritizing physical and mental activity. Drinking large amounts of alcohol can cause changes in the brain linked to dementia, especially early-onset dementia. In addition, those who have issues with sleep, such as sleep apnea or other disturbances, might be at a higher risk of developing dementia than those who do not. It’s important to note that following a healthy lifestyle can help reduce the risk of developing dementia but does not eliminate it.

 

Stages of Dementia

There are three primary stages of dementia—early, middle and late. These are often referred to as mild, moderate and severe in a medical context. While dementia affects each person differently, there are identifying characteristics of each phase, which can help caregivers provide proper support.

 

Early-stage dementia

During the first phase of dementia, an individual will begin to exhibit early symptoms of dementia but may be able to function independently. Depending on the person, they may still be able to drive, work, complete basic daily tasks and maintain their regular social activities.

In the early stage of dementia, an individual may have memory lapses, forget familiar words and the location of everyday objects. While the symptoms may not be obvious to acquaintances, close family and friends would be able to identify these symptoms. Some common symptoms include the following:

  • Coming up with the right words or name for objects
  • Remembering names when introduced to new people
  • Having difficulty performing tasks in social or work settings
  • Forgetting material that was just read
  • Losing or misplacing objects
  • Experience trouble with planning, organizing and maintaining their finances

 

Middle-stage dementia

An individual with dementia can stay in the middle stage for many years. During this period, they may need a greater level of support from their caregivers. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, those with middle-stage dementia may experience symptoms such as:

  • Being forgetful of events and personal history
  • Experience changes in their mood and personality
  • Being unable to remember information about themselves, such as their address and telephone number or the high school or college they attended
  • Confusion about where they are and what day it is
  • Needing help with dressing and choosing clothing
  • Experiencing difficulty with controlling their bladder and bowels
  • Changes in sleep patterns
  • Increased tendency to wander and become lost

 

Late-stage dementia

During the final stage of dementia, individuals may lose their ability to control movement, speech and respond to their environment. Significant personality changes may also arise and often require around-the-clock care. Oftentimes individuals will lose awareness of their surrounding and recent experiences. Those with late-stage dementia will undergo changes in their physical abilities, which often include the ability to walk, sit, communicate and swallow.

During this time, individuals become very vulnerable to illness and infections. During this phase of dementia, caregivers may require additional support, as the physical strain of caregiving can become intensive. Many caregivers seek support through residential care such as a hospice unit or nursing home.

 

Treatment

Taking the step to get checked by your doctor can be incredibly difficult. However, there are many treatment options available for those with Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia. While there isn’t a treatment that can reverse the disease, there are medications that can help lessen the symptoms. Medications like cholinesterase inhibitors are used to treat symptoms related to thinking, language, and judgement while other medications such as glutamate regulators work to improve reasoning and ability to perform simple tasks. There are also many non-pharmacological treatment options such as cognitive behavioral therapy, memory training, dementia support groups and psychotherapy interventions which can help with the emotional side-effects of dementia. Oftentimes, an early diagnosis gives individuals the opportunity to participate in clinical trials, which ultimately help researchers learn more about the disease.

 

Living with Alzheimer's and Dementia at Inspīr

At Inspīr, we're dedicated to providing an unparalleled living experience for individuals at every stage of their dementia journey. Our communities are designed to nurture, support, and engage residents with cognitive challenges. Our dedicated team employs the latest in evidence-based care techniques, ensuring that each resident receives personalized attention tailored to their unique needs. From our specialized memory care programs to our luxurious, purpose-built environments, every aspect of Inspīr is designed to promote dignity, independence, and joy. We understand that a dementia diagnosis doesn't define a person – it's merely a part of their story. At Inspīr, we're committed to helping our residents write beautiful new chapters filled with purpose, connection, and moments of joy. Experience the Inspīr difference for yourself. Contact us today to schedule a tour and discover how we're redefining senior living. Let us show you how life at Inspīr can bring new possibilities, even in the face of cognitive challenges. Your journey towards exceptional care, cognitive wellness, and vibrant living starts here.


Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.