Dementia is a disease that can affect any age, but it’s most common in older adults. It causes problems with memory, thinking, and behavior. As dementia progresses, it gets harder for the person with the disease to take care of themselves or do things that were once easy for them. If you notice changes in your parent’s behaviors, there may be cause for concern about dementia. You might see some of these changes in behaviors in dementia. They need help.
Problems With Communication
There are several different types of dementia, and some symptoms may be more common for certain types of dementia. For example, memory loss is the most common symptom of Alzheimer’s, but it can also be a symptom in frontotemporal lobar degeneration and Lewy body disease.
It is important to note that these changes in behavior could also be signs of other conditions that affect your parent’s mental health, such as depression or anxiety. If you believe your parent may have more severe disease than dementia, consider speaking with their doctor or another health professional about how best to help them manage their symptoms while waiting for an official diagnosis.
Memory Loss, Especially Most Recent Memories
Memory loss is a common symptom of dementia and can be caused by stress, depression, or physical illness. Memory loss may also result from a brain injury or alcohol abuse.
You might notice that your parent has trouble remembering recent events or asking for help with everyday activities like cooking or going to the bathroom. If you ask them about their day and they give you answers that don’t make sense, ask them simple questions like “What did you have for breakfast?” or “What happened at work today?” You will know if your parent is having memory problems if they have trouble remembering things from last week as well as yesterday.
Helplessness And Hopelessness
If you notice that your parent is having trouble getting out of bed or making simple meals, this could be a sign of dementia. They may also have difficulty taking care of their personal hygiene or paying bills.
Dementia can affect the way people interact with others and make decisions about their lives. As the disease progresses, some people with Alzheimer’s disease lose their ability to communicate clearly or understand what other people are saying — even those they know well. Others become easily annoyed by everyday sounds and activities, while some will startle easily when they hear loud noises.
Poor Judgment And Difficulties With Planning
The ability to make good decisions and plan ahead is important in the later stages of dementia. Your parent may find it difficult to decide or need help choosing between two options. Their judgment may also become impaired, leading to bad decisions that can have serious consequences.
As your parent’s disease progresses, they might also have trouble with time management and budgeting. They may not remember how much money they spent on groceries last week or forget about paying bills until it’s too late. They might have difficulty planning meals for themselves or their family members—or even deciding where they want to eat out during lunch breaks at work!
A Tendency To Withdraw And Become Isolated
If your parent is becoming more isolated and withdrawn, this could be a sign of dementia. Your parent may start to avoid going out in public or spending time with friends or family members, especially if they feel like they are burdening others. They may stop talking on the phone or interacting with people online, which can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation.
If you notice that your parent is withdrawing from social situations or otherwise avoiding any contact with others, it’s important that you talk to them about what’s happening in their life.
Conclusion
If you notice changes in your parent’s behaviors, you should consult a doctor. While some of these changes may be normal signs of aging, others could be signs of dementia. If you think your parent might have dementia, talk to the doctor about getting tested.