Five symptoms of dementia and early warning signs

by  Joe Sommerlad

Dementia is a cognitive condition that affects an estimated 900,000 people across the UK.

The term “dementia” does not refer to a single specific ailment but rather a collection of symptoms occurring as a result of a disease like Alzheimer’s causing damage to the nerve cells that transmit messages from the brain.

It is particularly common among the elderly, with one person in 14 people aged over 65 experiencing the condition and one in six aged over 80, with women statistically more likely to suffer than men.

Everyone experiences the condition differently but common symptoms of dementia fall under three categories; memory problems, cognitive ability and communication.

What are the most common symptoms of dementia?

Five of the most common symptoms include:

• Struggling with decision-making and reasoning

• Difficulty understanding time and place, such as getting up to go to work in the middle of the night

• Struggling to communicate effectively, such as not being able to find the right words

• Repeating themselves often and finding it hard to follow a conversation

• Changes in personality and behaviour, mood swings and experiencing anxiety or depression

As these symptoms are similar to those associated with natural decline as a result of the encroachments of old age, dementia can prove difficult to diagnose.

One study, released by Alzheimer’s Society earlier this year, revealed that as many as one in four sufferers go at least two years before their condition is finally diagnosed.

The charity surveyed 1,019 dementia patients and their carers about their experiences of diagnostic procedure and found that the primary reason for people failing to get the help they needed was confusion between their symptoms and the natural ageing process, a situation occurring in 42 per cent of cases.

Approximately 26 per cent of respondents said they had not been formally diagnosed within two years, with a quarter adding that they had already reached crisis point before their dementia was acknowledged.

“Asking the same question over and over again is not called getting old, it’s called getting ill,” said Kate Lee, CEO of the Alzheimer’s Society, as she encouraged potential sufferers or those concerned about the apparent decline of a loved one to come forward.

“If you’re worried for yourself or someone you love, come to Alzheimer’s Society for support. The stark findings of our survey released today show just how dangerous it can be to battle dementia symptoms alone and put off getting help.

“Yes, getting a diagnosis can be daunting – I know I was terrified when my mum got diagnosed. But it is worth it – over nine in 10 people with dementia told us they benefited from getting a diagnosis. It gave them crucial access to treatment, care and support, and precious time to plan for the future.

“With the pandemic causing diagnosis rates to plunge, it’s more important than ever to seek help. You don’t have to face dementia alone, we’re here to support everyone affected.”

What are the early signs of dementia?

To address the problem identified by its findings, the Alzheimer’s Society has produced a new checklist in partnership with the Royal College of GPs to help people identify the symptoms of dementia and to encourage them to get diagnosed and seek help.

Women are statistically more likely to suffer from dementia than men (Getty/iStockphoto)

It includes assessing whether people are suffering from memory problems, such as struggling to find the right words or repeating questions and phrases; experiencing issues with daily living such as struggling to pay bills or getting lost when out in public; as well as behavioural or emotional problems such as becoming aggressive or  withdrawn or acting inappropriately.

Dr Jill Rasmussen, clinical representative for dementia at the Royal College of General Practitioners, said: “It’s vital for patients, their families and GPs that conversations with the potential for a diagnosis of dementia are timely and effective.

“The new checklist developed with Alzheimer’s Society is a simple, free tool to help patients and their families clearly communicate their symptoms and concerns during an often time-pressured appointment.

“This resource could make a real difference in identifying those people who require referral for a more detailed evaluation and diagnosis of their problems.

“We’re asking anyone who is worried about possible dementia symptoms to use the checklist and share it with their primary care team.”

You can access the checklist here and find more information on dementia at the Alzheimer’s Society and NHS websites.

Full Article & Source:
Five symptoms of dementia and early warning signs

Warning Signs of Elder Care Abuse

Every year hundreds of thousands of older adults are abused, neglected or exploited.

Sadly, for every report of elder abuse, it is estimated that another 23 cases go unreported. Cases are unreported for a variety of reasons – the victim may be unable or unwilling to communicate the abuse, the victim may feel ashamed, or they may not have a trusted person to confide in.

For the younger generations, it is important to know and understand the definition of elder abuse, the warning signs, and what to do if abuse is suspected.

In general, elder abuse is a term referring to any knowing, intentional, or negligent act by a caregiver or any other person that causes harm or a serious risk of harm to a vulnerable adult.   Most elder care abuse takes place where the seniors live – so at home at the hands of relatives or in an institutional setting at the hands of facility employees.  All 50 states have some form of elder abuse prevention laws, however the definitions and laws vary greatly by state.

What is elder abuse?

In broad terms, it can be defined as:

• Physical Abuse—inflicting physical pain or injury on a senior, e.g. slapping, bruising, or restraining by physical or chemical means.
• Sexual Abuse—non-consensual sexual contact of any kind.
• Neglect—the failure by those responsible to provide food, shelter, health care, or protection for a vulnerable elder.
• Financial Exploitation—the illegal taking, misuse, or concealment of funds, property, or assets of a senior for someone else’s benefit.
• Emotional Abuse—inflicting mental pain, anguish, or distress on an elder person through verbal or nonverbal acts, e.g. humiliating, intimidating, or threatening.
• Abandonment—desertion of a vulnerable elder by anyone who has assumed the responsibility for care or custody of that person.
• Self-neglect—characterized as the failure of a person to perform essential, self-care tasks and that such failure threatens his/her own health or safety.One sign doesn’t necessarily mean abuse is occurring, but advocates should take notice of:

What are the signs?

• Bruises, pressure marks, broken bones, abrasions, and burns may be an indication of physical abuse, neglect, or mistreatment.
• Unexplained withdrawal from normal activities, a sudden change in alertness, and unusual depression may be indicators of emotional abuse.
• Bruises around the breasts or genital area can occur from sexual abuse.
• Sudden changes in financial situations may be the result of exploitation.
• Bedsores, unattended medical needs, poor hygiene, and unusual weight loss are indicators of possible neglect.
• Behavior such as belittling, threats, and other uses of power and control by spouses are indicators of verbal or emotional abuse.
• Strained or tense relationships, frequent arguments between the caregiver and elderly person are also signs. You may be the only advocate for the senior victim. It is important to remember it is not your responsibility to prove abuse – it is only your responsibility to report any suspicious activity.

The most important thing to remember is Be Alert! Oftentimes the suffering is done in silence. If you notice changes in a senior’s behavior or personality, you should question what is going on. If you suspect abuse, file a complaint and have the abuse investigated.

You may be the only advocate for the senior victim. It is important to remember it is not your responsibility to prove abuse – it is only your responsibility to report any suspicious activity.

Full Article & Source:
Warning Signs of Elder Care Abuse

Warning Signs of Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation

S- Sudden changes in behavior, finances, or lifestyle;
P- Physical injuries, dehydration, or malnourishment;
E- Extreme withdrawal, depression, or anxiety;
A- Absence of basic care or necessities;
K- Kept away from others;

U- Unsanitary living conditions;
P- Personal items or money missing....

 

Source:
Facebook:  Dementia Support Group