Dementia is extremely complicated. It affects cognition, memory, personality, and more. However, many conditions showcase similar symptoms, so it’s almost impossible to diagnose dementia from a distance accurately.
Several conditions and situations appear similar to dementia. Respiratory infections, side effects from medication, sleep disorders, and even dehydration can cause cognitive symptoms.
If you’re concerned about a loved one’s cognitive health, visit a healthcare professional as soon as you can. A proper diagnosis makes all the difference.
What Is Dementia?
When thinking about dementia, most people think it’s a single disease. However, this isn’t the case. The term “dementia” is used to describe a collection of symptoms that develop due to damaged brain cells. Dementia affects memory, language, problem-solving, and other thinking abilities. These symptoms are serious enough to disrupt everyday life.
Dementia includes several complex conditions:
- Alzheimer’s disease, which develops due to an unusual buildup of proteins throughout the brain that damage surrounding cells.
- Vascular dementia, which develops due to blood leakage or blood flow restrictions to cells throughout the brain.
- Lewy body dementia, which develops when abnormal proteins clump together in the brain to form physical blockages.
- Mixed dementia, which develops when several symptoms showcase themselves at once to cause complex symptoms.
Each type of dementia is progressive. As brain cells are damaged further, the symptoms worsen. Eventually, they reach a point where they impair everyday abilities.
The Signs of Dementia
Recognizing dementia symptoms early is essential for effective management. However, it’s often difficult to recognize the subtle signs of this condition. If you’re worried about a parent developing dementia, keep an eye out for the following signs:
- Memory loss and forgetfulness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Confusion about time or place
- Struggling with communication
- Changes in mood or behavior
Early detection makes it easier to find professional support. If you notice these symptoms, visit a healthcare professional as soon as you can. A proper diagnosis makes a significant difference and helps you plan your next steps.
However, what if it’s not dementia? What if it’s something else?
What Conditions Are Mistaken for Dementia?
Many conditions mimic the symptoms of dementia. This makes it easy to misdiagnose the condition—especially if you don’t have professional support.
Some common conditions that can be mistaken for dementia include:
- Respiratory infections. These can cause confusion and disorientation, especially in older adults.
- Side effects from medication. Certain medications can cause cognitive symptoms that resemble dementia.
- Sleep disorders. A lack of sleep or poor quality sleep can lead to cognitive impairment that may be mistaken for dementia.
- Dehydration. When the body is dehydrated, it can cause confusion and other symptoms that mimic dementia.
If you notice any changes in your loved one’s behavior or cognition, don’t leave it unaddressed. Professional support can assist your loved one and help them maintain their quality of life.
What Is Memory Care?
If a healthcare professional believes your loved one is developing dementia, it’s time to think about memory care. This is a special type of care focused on providing everyday support for older adults with cognitive impairment.
Memory care gives your loved one a safe and structured environment. In these communities, there’s a team of trained professionals who can offer personalized care. Every day follows a structured routine to help reduce frustration, and there are plenty of on-site amenities to make life more convenient.
Memory care takes a tailored approach to dementia support. In our Lilac Trace Memory Care way of life, we know that every person is unique. We treat your loved one as an individual and help in a way that makes a difference. It’s about restoring dignity and respect to your loved one’s everyday life.
When Is It Time for Memory Care?
The move to memory care is emotional. Determining if it’s the right time is a critical choice, but it can make a significant difference. First, you’ll need to watch for signs that your loved one’s cognitive decline is affecting their everyday life.
Signs that it’s time for memory care include:
- An increasing need for supervision
- Frequent memory lapses impacting daily life
- Difficulty with personal care and hygiene
- Increased risk of wandering or getting lost
If your loved one showcases these symptoms, it’s time for a change. Memory care can be a wonderful way to gain peace of mind. These communities provide specialized care to your loved one—it’s an incredible choice that makes all the difference.
Let Our Community Help
At The Enclave of East Louisville, we understand that dementia is complex. That’s why we take a compassionate approach to everyday support. Through our Lilac Trace lifestyle, we’re dedicated to treating every resident with dignity, respect, and love. Contact our team today to learn more, or schedule a visit to see for yourself! The journey through dementia care is complicated, but we’re ready to help.
