Most of us will slow down a bit, physically and mentally, as we get older but there is a big difference between occasional forgetfulness and senility, or senile dementia. Here is what to look for if you are concerned that someone in your family may be suffering from this condition, which is often connected with Alzheimer’s disease.
- Consider the family history. Is there a background of senile dementia or Alzheimer’s disease? There is often a genetic predisposition toward this condition in members of the same family.
- Look for signs of memory loss and language difficulties. Is the person losing words, or forgetting the names of common objects? Has he or she forgotten how to do simple mathematics?
- Watch out for confusion and loss of attention span. Is the person unable to focus on a normal conversation? Does he or she get mixed up when trying to perform basic tasks?
- Rule out undiagnosed hearing or vision loss. These may hinder a person’s ability to communicate effectively, and can make someone seem more confused than he or she really is.
- Monitor inappropriate behavior and impaired judgment. If the person begins to act inappropriately or significantly out of character in social situations, he or she may be showing signs of senile dementia.
- Look out for mood changes, irritability or emotional agitation. Often, people in the early stages of senile dementia are aware that something is happening to them, and this can be both frightening and depressing.
- Watch for physical coordination problems and physical confusion. People with senile dementia often forget how to do simple learned tasks that have been part of their daily life for many years.
- Watch the person walk. Changes in gait are often symptomatic of senile dementia, although they can also be connected with other neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease.
These tips will certainly help to identify senile dementia and seek the required aid for the person in question.
