What happens next? When you suspect dementia
Families who notice Mom or Dad showing signs of forgetfulness or having trouble finding words, navigating from place to place or managing a checkbook may want to overlook these signs. They think, “Everyone gets a little forgetful as they get older.” Memory loss is not a normal part of aging, and ignoring the possibility of dementia may seem easier, but it will not make the situation better.
If you have concerns, schedule a meeting with your family doctor. Be very honest about what you have observed. A doctor can perform a brief cognitive assessment to determine if further evaluation is needed, and should do a medical workup to rule out other treatable health issues. Dementia is a symptom, not a diagnosis. It can be caused by a number of things such as reaction to medications, an infection, even dehydration or lack of nutrition. It may also be a symptom of Alzheimer’s Disease or other related condition. The sooner a diagnosis is made, the better you are able to plan for what’s next.
If further testing is recommended, most likely with a neurologist, be sure to follow through. If there is a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease or other cause of dementia, there are a number of resources that can help. Care consultants can help with long- and short-term plans. They can also provide information on support groups for family care partners, services that can be brought into the home as needed and even a list of clinical trials you could enroll in. Your doctor may be able to prescribe medications that can slow the progression of memory loss.
Learn about the diagnosed condition and what to expect as the condition progresses. You will be more equipped to deal with what comes next. The sooner a diagnosis is made, the more involved the person with dementia can be in planning for their own future. They can make decisions like:
- Do you want to stay at home?
- If you need to live somewhere else, where would you like to live?
- Who would you like to assign to manage your finances and make decisions for you when it might become too difficult for you?
We all want to make decisions about our own lives, well-being and future. That shouldn’t be taken away from us because of a diagnosis. That person will need lots of support, but respect for their choices is important. Be sure to find support for family members and caregivers, too.
TLHA is committed to providing a safe, comfortable and engaging environment designed to meet the needs of those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Several of our facilities host a Memory Cafe, a social gathering for those with memory loss and their caregivers. See Memory Cafe locations.