It can be scary when your loved one shows early signs of dementia. It’s understandable if you feel there’s nothing you can do to help them.
Dementia is a serious condition that affects millions of Americans every year, and it’s important to talk about it openly so that we can all find ways to cope with this disease together. We understand this feeling entirely and want to help you through the transition of caring for a loved one with dementia. The following tips will help:
Talk With A Doctor If You Think Something Is Wrong
If you feel something is wrong, you must talk with a doctor. Your loved one may show symptoms of another condition, such as depression, but they may also have dementia. If you suspect that someone might have early signs of dementia, you should first see a doctor with experience diagnosing and treating the disease. Your family doctor can refer you to someone specializing in dementia care if necessary.
It’s also important for doctors to meet with your loved one directly—either face-to-face or through video chat—since research shows that early diagnosis significantly increases treatment outcomes by helping patients get involved in their care plan earlier (and therefore more effectively).
It’s Best To Talk With The Person Who Has Been Showing Signs Of Dementia As Soon As You Can
When talking with your loved one, it’s important to remember that they may not be able to express their feelings or thoughts as clearly as you’d like. It’s easy to assume that if the person is showing signs of dementia, they are also suffering from mental anguish and confusion. That’s not always true—some people with dementia can still function very well emotionally.
If you’re speaking with a loved one who is showing early signs of dementia, give them time to respond and be patient when they do so. If they seem confused or unhappy, try asking them questions: Is something wrong? Are you feeling sad or scared? What can we do together to help make things better for everyone involved?
By listening closely and asking questions in a non-accusatory way (such as those above), you’ll be able to understand where your loved one is coming from—and potentially discover the root cause of their unhappiness before it gets worse!
Identify Health Issues That Could Be Causing Symptoms
Now that you’ve identified the early signs of dementia, it’s time to look closely at what might be causing them. You can start by talking with your loved one’s doctor about any medications he or she is taking, as well as any other health issues. Your doctor may also be able to recommend resources for help in managing these conditions and their effects on memory and thinking skills.
Physical problems can also play a role in symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. If your loved one has any chronic physical conditions—such as arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, or stroke—these may affect his or her ability to sleep well at night.
In addition to treating these conditions with medication if necessary, helping your loved one improve his/her sleep habits may lead to better overall health and less stress on the mind while sleeping (which could help reduce forgetting).
Schedule Regular Visits With A Doctor Or Specialist
It is a good idea to schedule regular visits with a doctor or dementia specialist. Doctors can help you understand what is going on, and they can often find ways to treat the symptoms of dementia early on. They may also be able to help you find support groups or resources in your area that can help you as well.