As with other health conditions, it’s best to be proactive about seeking treatment for a loved one’s dementia, Alzheimer’s and other cognitive impairments. Acting at the first sign of cognitive decline will help your mom or dad get the appropriate support and treatment to mitigate the effects of their memory loss.
What to Address with Early Treatment
Defining your loved one’s unique needs is essential to finding the right treatment. Early signs of cognitive impairment may begin to surface between 40 and 60, so it’s important to monitor symptoms and track their progression.
Early treatment for memory loss can help address your loved one’s overall health and safety, especially if their condition affects their ability to complete daily tasks. Behavioral strategies, like the DICE approach, and socialization eliminate the chance of isolation, which can lead to depression, anxiety and agitation.
Benefits of Proactive Alzheimer’s Treatment
Confronting the symptoms of early-onset cognitive impairment allows your mom to receive treatment and develop a routine before her condition advances. That means she’ll already have a plan to address physical, mental and emotional changes should her disease progress.
Behavioral issues are often associated with memory loss and cognitive impairment. Your dad may feel confused about what’s happening to him, so it’s understandable if he feels afraid. While it doesn’t always manifest, people with Alzheimer’s or dementia can become aggressive, making it difficult to keep them safe and comfortable.
Proactively seeking early treatment allows the care team to identify physical and emotional triggers that affect your loved one. That allows them to mitigate problematic scenarios before they arise and positively redirect stress or discomfort.
Memory care staff also consider treatable factors that contribute to memory loss. Conditions like depression, thyroid problems, dehydration and medication side effects may also affect mental clarity.
Early Signs of Alzheimer’s and Dementia
Seeking the appropriate treatment for cognitive impairment is dependent on your ability to spot the warning signs of memory loss, which may include:
- Trouble remembering to conduct daily tasks like bathing, dressing and cleaning
- Forgetting recently learned information
- Asking the same questions repeatedly
- Trouble understanding and following instructions
- Forgetting the time or date
- An inability to follow or join a conversation
- Frequently misplacing belongings
- Withdrawing from social interaction
- Changes in mood, attitude or behavior
Cotter House Worthington is committed to taking a resident-centered approach to create a personalized treatment plan for your loved one. We strive to make each resident feel loved and comforted based on their individual needs. Call 614-896-8700 or contact us online for more information about our services and clinical capabilities.