By Joan Weems , RN
Dementia is not a normal part of the aging process , although it is common in elderly individuals . Dementia describes a group of symptoms affecting intellectual and social abilities severely enough to interfere with daily functioning . Dementia indicates problems with at least two brain functions , such as memory loss along with impaired judgment or language . Dementia can make someone confused , unable to remember people or names , or experience changes in personality and social behavior . In addition to diseases that can cause dementia , doctors have identified other conditions that can cause dementialike symptoms including reactions to medications , metabolic problems and endocrine abnormalities , nutritional deficiencies , infections , poisoning , brain tumors , conditions in which the brain ’ s oxygen supply is either reduced or cut off entirely and heart and lung problems .
The Alzheimer ’ s Association gives these 10 warning signs : ( For more details , visit alz . org )
1 . Memory loss that disrupts daily life . In the early stages of Alzheimer ’ s , one forgets recently learned information .
2 . Challenges in planning or solving problems .
3 . Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home , at work or at leisure .
4 . Confusion with time or place . People with Alzheimer ’ s can lose track of dates , seasons and time .
5 . Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships . They may have difficulty reading and judging distance . In terms of perception , they may pass a mirror and think someone else is in the room . They may not recognize their own reflection .
6 . New problems with words in speaking or writing . They may stop in the middle of a conversation or repeat themselves .
7 . Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps . Sometimes , they may accuse others of stealing .
8 . Decreased or poor judgment . They may pay less attention to grooming or keeping themselves clean .
9 . Withdrawal from work or social activities .
10 . Changes in mood and personality . They can become confused , suspicious , depressed , fearful or anxious .
Different types of dementia exist ; however , Alzheimer ’ s disease is the most common type . Usually dementia gets worse over time . How long this takes is different for each person . Some people stay the same for years , while others decline rapidly . More often , however , people suffer with Alzheimer ’ s disease for about nine years . It is the sixth leading cause of death in the U . S . For those ages 65 and over , one person out of eight suffers from dementia . According to the Alzheimer ’ s Association , this has tripled healthcare costs . Women are more susceptible than men , and half of all nursing home residents suffer from Alzheimer ’ s or related disorders . Eventually , the dementia patient becomes physically helpless , incontinent , and unable to communicate entirely .
Memory loss is generally the first symptom to be noticed ; but memory loss alone doesn ’ t mean a person has dementia . Memory loss goes hand in hand with getting older . It ’ s completely normal for an older person to walk into the kitchen and occasionally wonder , “ Now , why was I coming in here again ?” But if your mother is coming home from the supermarket empty-handed because she couldn ’ t “ find anything ” on her grocery list , or if she keeps her cleaning supplies in the fridge , pay attention . These may be signs of dementia or Alzheimer ’ s disease .
Often the caregiver for a dementia patient gets totally worn out and needs help . Medicare pays for some shortterm , in-home medical help like home health for patients that are homebound and have a skilled need . A physician must prescribe these services . But it won ’ t pay for long-term custodial care for home health nor in nursing home facilities . Medicare will pay for hospice care for the dementia patient , but only in the very last stages when they are unable to ambulate , unable to dress themselves , unable to bathe , unable to communicate meaningfully , and suffer from incontinence of the urine and bowel and have an unintentional weight loss of greater than 10 over past six months .
26 DENTON COUNTY Living Well Magazine | MAY / JUNE 2016