Learning the Signs and Symptoms of Dementia
If you have a friend or a loved one that may seem to be deteriorating with their memory then you may be wondering about dementia. This can be a very frightening disease if you are not sure what is going on and you do not know how to help your loved one. However, if you have a little understanding of the basics related to dementia then you may be able to make an appointment for your loved one to see their doctor in order to get the help that they need. This article will touch upon some of the most common signs and symptoms that you will want to watch for.
Initially, you may notice that your loved one may begin to show some signs of deterioration in relation to their memory. They may not be able to remember very simple, common things that they were able to remember before. You may also notice that this person is not able to recall basic information that they once knew. This can be very alarming for many people and it can be very difficult to watch your loved one struggle in this way. What you need to realize is that it is probably just as difficult for them as it is for you to watch.
Another common sign and symptom related to dementia might be trouble communicating. Your loved one may have a very difficult time expressing their thoughts and feelings as they are not able to remember the words that they want to use in order to express themselves. Think about how hard it would be to have something very important to say but not have any idea how to express that. This can create a great deal of stress for your loved one and it may even make it more difficult for you to care for that person because they cannot tell you what they need.
As you can see, this can be a very difficult disease for anyone that is suffering from it. It is easy to see why many of these patients may become depressed and upset. Actually, if you are assisting a loved one that could be suffering from dementia then you will most likely begin to notice some very serious mood swings related to this person and their feelings. You need to be aware of the fact that this could happen and you also need to be understanding. If you are noticing these mood swings on a regular basis or you think that your loved one could be depressed then you need to discuss this information with your loved ones doctor as well.
If you believe that you have a loved one that is suffering from dementia you need to pay attention to what behaviors have changed and record this information. You then need to make an appointment to meet with your loved ones and your primary care physician to discuss treatment options. This will help you find positive ways to help your friend or family member.
