Dementia involves a series of symptoms, such as increased confusion, memory loss, and hallucinations, that can cause your family to worry about your senior loved one’s health and safety. Seniors with these types of symptoms should always consult their physicians to identify the underlying causes. While dementia is often caused by chronic conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, it can also happen temporarily in response to specific conditions or situations in your loved one’s life. These conditions are the primary causes of reversible dementia that your loved one may be able to recover from with proper care.
Depression
Mental health disorders can often create some of the symptoms of dementia. Depression can cause personality changes, including frequent mood swings. Your loved one may also experience slowed or racing thoughts that make it difficult to recall important information, such as your name. In some cases, depression can also cause insomnia. If your loved one doesn’t sleep well at night, he or she could begin to hallucinate.
Dementia can be challenging for seniors to manage, but they can maintain a higher quality of life with the help of professional dementia care. Lincoln seniors can benefit greatly from the Cognitive Therapeutics Method (CTM), an activities-based program designed to promote cognitive health and delay the onset of dementia. CTM is included at no additional charge with any of the in-home care plans provided by Home Care Assistance.
Infections
When a person is ill, the brain must work harder to stimulate the immune system to function. Being sick also directs energy away from the brain, which can impact cognitive functioning. Research shows urinary tract infections often generate dementia symptoms in people over the age of 65. Treating the underlying infection tends to restore thinking and reasoning skills to normal levels.
Drug or Alcohol Abuse
Substance misuse is a serious issue for many seniors. Your loved one may start using drugs or alcohol to manage chronic pain from a health condition. He or she may also start drinking too much after a life event, such as the loss of a spouse. Being under the influence of these substances could cause your loved one to temporarily have dementia. Finding positive ways to manage daily life without the use of these substances can help your loved one think more clearly.
Caring for a loved one with dementia can be challenging, but compassionate help is available. If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of elderly home care families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.
Head Injuries
Brain injuries are another potentially reversible cause of dementia. Your loved one may act differently after hitting his or her head and developing a major contusion or concussion. Strokes can also cause injuries to the brain that lead to dementia symptoms until the area heals. After your loved one experiences a major head trauma or stroke, you need to start looking for ways to help him or her avoid another one, such as having a caregiver help at home.
Medication Side Effects
Medications are notorious for generating symptoms such as foggy thinking and confusion. If your loved one begins to act differently after receiving a prescription for a new health diagnosis, the medication may be to blame. Check the label for side effects, and mention the changes to your loved one’s physician to see if they might go away. In some cases, your loved one may need to change medications, or you might be able to provide assistance at home until his or her body adjusts.
A highly trained caregiver with experience in caring for seniors with dementia can be a fantastic resource for family members. Families looking for top-rated Lincoln home care service providers can reach out to Home Care Assistance. From respite care to specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care, there are many ways we can make life easier for seniors and their loved ones. Call one of our dedicated Care Managers today at (916) 226-3737 to learn about the high quality of our in-home dementia care services.