Identifying the Lesser-Known Symptoms of Dementia

Identifying the Lesser-Known Symptoms of Dementia

October 10, 2020 0 Comment Category: Uncategorized

Dementia is considered one of the most common health complications that many older adults have to bear with. Although dementia occurs mainly in seniors above the age of 65, it is not a natural part of aging. That is why it is essential to recognize the different dementia symptoms to tell them apart from normal aging signs. Vascular dementia is the second most common type of Alzheimer’s disease case according to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Often times diagnosing dementia in seniors experiencing homelessness can be challenging because it requires observing documented patterns of behavior. Stressful living conditions as well as poverty may also cause premature aging, and younger unhoused patients in recuperative care facilities may need to be screened as though they are older.

The usual symptoms of dementia include forgetfulness, confusion, and changes in personality or behavior. However, there can be many more subtle symptoms as well, which point toward the condition. Below are some of those lesser-known symptoms of dementia.

Change in Temperament

If your senior parent or grandparent is showing significant changes in their disposition and character, it can be a sign of dementia. For instance, if they have become paranoid or quick to anger, you should consult with a doctor to find the reason for their emotional struggle. Sometimes, the change in behavior and temperament can also be signs of other psychological conditions.

Money Management Problems

Older adults are often potential targets for scams and frauds, which is why you may overlook it if your senior loved one lost some money somewhere. However, this can also be a warning sign of dementia because it denotes their poor judgment. Sometimes, they may even buy things that they cannot afford or lend money to strangers for no reason.

Avoiding Social Activities

Seniors often start to self-isolate when they feel something is wrong with them or maybe because of their fear or embarrassment due to memory loss. Therefore, if your senior has recently started avoiding social gatherings and family get-togethers, it can also be a sign of their mental health decline. As they cannot keep up with what is happening, they prefer being alone.

Difficulty in Writing

Another “hidden” sign of dementia is when your senior experiences difficulty in writing even simple things like a grocery list or email. Short-term memory loss is an underlying symptom of dementia, making it difficult for seniors to organize their thoughts and write them down. So if you find any half-written or scribbled notes around your senior’s home, then it is time to take them to see a doctor.

Loss of Empathy

Seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease may start becoming less empathetic than how they used to be. The change in their behavior can even be hurtful to you or your other family members. However, it would be best to realize that this change in character is because of their underlying condition and the physical and emotional challenges that dementia creates in seniors.

Recuperative care services like Horizon Recuperative Care serves as an enduring option for communities like Los Angeles County and Orange County in helping unhoused seniors deal with their mental health while moving towards transitional housing. al and emotional challenges that dementia creates in seniors.