Caregiver in Mauldin SC
Dementia is more than a medical condition that causes lapses in memory. It can take away the elder’s ability to community, care for themselves, or remember familiar faces and locations. Once the condition progresses, caregivers will be needed to watch and care for the elder around-the-clock.
While there are many different forms of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease takes up between 60 and 80 percent of all dementia cases. This condition currently does not have a cure, but early detection will allow the elder to get the treatments necessary to eliminate the symptoms and continue living a full life. To get a better idea of whether or not your loved one has dementia, you need to fully understand the causes, symptoms, and various stages.
Causes
Dementia is the result of damage to the brain cells, which can occur if the elder suffered a head injury, a brain tumor, a stroke, or other health condition. Other things that could cause a decline in cognitive health are:
- Medication side effects
- Thyroid problems
- Depression
- Vitamin deficiencies
- Excessive use of alcohol
Most of the symptoms of dementia will get worse with time, but others can be improved with the right treatment.
Symptoms
If you fear your elderly parent has dementia, keep a lookout for the following symptoms:
- Change in mood
- Noticeable memory loss, including asking the same question more than once
- Unable to handle financial responsibilities
- Frequently misplacing things
- Increasingly irritable, angry, or exhibiting other personality changes
- No interest in starting a new project or going anywhere
- Becoming disoriented
- Unable to complete regular tasks, like cooking or cleaning
- Problems finding the right words when talking to someone
If you fear your loved one has dementia, do not wait to have them get tested. The early the condition is diagnosed, the more treatments that will be available to them.
Stages
There are typically seven stages of dementia.
Stage 1 – No Cognitive Decline: This is the earliest stage of dementia and one that is not always easy to spot. The senior will still be able to function properly, yet will have a little memory loss.
Stage 2 – Mild Cognitive Decline: Misplacing items, forgetting the name of someone they just met, and forgetting how to get to a familiar place are all signs of mild dementia.
Stage 3 – Somewhat Moderate Cognitive Decline: Forgetfulness begins to become a regular occurrence for an elder with dementia. Other signs of this stage include:
- Repeating the same things over and over again
- Lack of organizational or concentration skills
- Difficulty solving problems
- Problems with driving
Stage 4 – Moderate Cognitive Decline: As their cognitive health continues to decline, you may notice the following symptoms:
- Withdrawn from social interactions
- Lack of responsiveness
- Problems completing routine tasks
- Becoming increasingly moody
- Denying there is a problem
Stage 5 – Moderate to Severe Cognitive Decline: Completing everyday tasks alone will become much more challenging in this stage. They will need help from a caregiver to get dressed, eat, and bathe. They will also become increasingly forgetful and confused.
Stage 6 – Severe Cognitive Decline: The elder will need around-the-clock assistance from a caregiver for a majority of their routine tasks. They may also have insomnia, incontinence, and changes in their personality.
Step 7 – Extremely Severe Cognitive Decline: Their ability to communicate will be nearly impossible for seniors in this stage. They may no longer be able to speak or walk without assistance.
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring caregiver services in Mauldin, SC, contact Heart of the Carolinas Home Care at 864-991-3116. Providing Home Care Services in Greenville, Simpsonville, Greer, Anderson, Spartanburg, Mauldin, Seneca, Laurens, Charleston, Columbia and the surrounding areas.
Source: http://www.alz.org/what-is-dementia.asp
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