Spotting Signs of Dementia

As illustrated in my post on December 29, 2008, elders suffering from mental impairment are generally more vulnerable to abuse and neglect. Consequently, it is important for loved ones to spot the signs of dementia so that extra precautions can be taken to prevent abuse and neglect.

Dementia is a general term that describes a significant loss of intellectual abilities, including memory, the ability to reason, and other cognitive and behavioral changes that can interfere with daily life. Alzheimer's disease is by far the most common form of dementia in people age 71 and older.

While dementia presents itself differently from individual to individual, common symptoms include:

• Memory loss that increases over time
• Language problems, such as difficulty finding words or understanding spoken or written communication
• Disorientation, eventually extending to familiar places
• Persistent confusion, including about the date or time of day
• Face-recognition issues, eventually extending to familiar people
• Lack of self-regard, including neglect of personal safety or hygiene
• Inability to perform routine tasks
• Erratic behavioral and psychological changes, such as paranoia, hallucinations, depression, temper tantrums, or insomnia

While federal regulations require nursing home staff to report drastic changes in a resident's mental and/or psychosocial behavior, you shouldn't rely solely on the staff to watch for and report warning signs of dementia. Take it upon yourself to monitor your loved one's mental health.

If you do spot any of these warning signs, report it to the nursing home immediately, and follow up to ensure that the resident's written medical plan addresses these issues.