IN Woodland Hills Fall 2019 | Page 11

INDUSTRY INSIGHT SENIOR CARE SPONSORED CONTENT WARNING SIGNS OF DEMENTIA A s we age, our brain function slows. However forgetting where you parked the car or how to bake a cake can be warning signs of a more serious form of memory loss: dementia. Dementia is a general term for a decline in mental ability severe enough to interfere with daily life. Memory loss is an example of Dementia, and Alzheimer’s Disease is the most common type of dementia. The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America recommends that all Americans 70 years of age or older get yearly Memory Screenings. But how do you know if your memory loss is age-related forgetfulness or something more serious? Below are some of the warning signs of dementia. If you or someone you know is experiencing dementia symptoms, talk with a doctor. Memory Screenings can help detect memory loss in the early stages. In honor of National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, Juniper Village at Forest Hills will be offering Free Memory Screenings on Saturday, November 16 from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. For more information on memory loss or to schedule your free memory screening, contact Juniper Village at Forest Hills at 412.244.9901. 1. SUBTLE SHORT-TERM MEMORY CHANGES These changes are often subtle and tend to involve short- term memory. The person may be able to remember events that took place years ago but not what they had for breakfast. Other symptoms include forgetting where they left an item, struggling to remember why they entered a particular room, or forgetting what they were supposed to do on any given day. 2. DIFFICULTY FINDING THE RIGHT WORDS Another early symptom is struggling to communicate thoughts. A person with dementia may have difficulty explaining something or finding the right words to express themselves. 3. CHANGES IN MOOD A change in mood is also common with dementia. Depression, for instance, is typical of early dementia. Along with mood changes, you might also see a shift in personality. 4. DIFFICULTY COMPLETING NORMAL TASKS A subtle shift in the ability to complete normal tasks may indicate that someone has early dementia. They may have difficulty doing complex tasks like balancing a checkbook or playing games that have a lot of rules. Along with the struggle to complete familiar tasks, they may struggle learning how to do new things or follow new routines. 5. BEING REPETITIVE Repetition is common in dementia because of memory loss and general behavioral changes. The person may repeat daily tasks, such as shaving, or they may collect items obsessively. They also may repeat the same questions in a conversation even after the question has been answered. JUNIPER VILLAGE AT FOREST HILLS EXCEPTIONAL INDIVIDUALIZED CARE AND SERVICE Senior Living, Personal Care and Memory Care • Spacious Studios, Suites and One-Bedroom Apartments Available • Variety of Options to Suit Everyone’s Budget • On-Site Nursing Staff and 24 Hour Assistance with Daily Care Needs • Structured Activities and Programs Seven Days a Week • Housekeeping and Laundry Services • Delicious Meals and Snacks Daily Senior Living at Forest Hills 107 Fall Run Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15221 junipercommunities.com 412.244.9901 Call us to schedule a complimentary lunch and tour today! WOODLAND HILLS ❘ FALL 2019 9