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Dementia is an umbrella term for a group of symptoms related to an impaired ability to think, to remember, or to make decisions in a way that interferes with daily living. The most common cause of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease, but changes to the brain can also occur as the result of a stroke, as a side effect of medication, or from other injuries or illnesses.
No matter the cause, living with dementia or caring for a senior who struggles with dementia can be challenging. Recognizing some of the early signs can allow caregivers to get help for a loved one sooner. Memory care programs in Peoria, Arizona, like the one at The Mission at Agua Fria Senior Living, are a good place to start.
Alzheimers Dementia, Caregiving, Senior Living
What Are the Early Signs of Dementia?
Dementia is an umbrella term for a group of symptoms related to an impaired ability to think, to remember, or to make decisions in a way that interferes with daily living.
Symptoms of Dementia
Since dementia is a general term that covers a wide range of cognitive issues, symptoms can also vary greatly from person to person. Some common signs to look for in yourself or your loved one include:- Memory loss: More than just forgetting where you left your keys, this type of memory loss is significant, such as the inability to remember a close loved one’s name or being consistently unable to recall recent events like a conversation had minutes prior.
- Difficulty with attention or concentration: Repeatedly asking the same question, having trouble following a normal conversation, or being unable to complete a simple task are important signs of cognitive decline.
- Communication problems: Using the wrong word to describe familiar objects, forgetting common words, and having difficulty talking can all occur.
- Mood or personality changes: Some forms of dementia affect the frontotemporal part of the brain, which can lead to impaired judgment that results in risky behavior or inappropriate comments in public.