What Are Signs That Dementia Is Getting Worse?

Signs that dementia is getting worse include increased memory loss and confusion, difficulty concentrating and planning, personality changes like becoming aggressive, and physical movement problems. There can also be a sudden worsening of symptoms, possibly due to factors such as delirium, stroke, or changes in routine.

In this article, we at PrimeCarers, an introductory service that matches private carers with private clients, will explore the signs to look for. Worsening dementia is a crucial concern for caregivers and family members. Understanding the warning signs allows loved ones and caretakers to swiftly take appropriate steps to maintain the patient’s quality of life.

Managing Dementia

Read Now

Overview of Dementia

Before we delve into worsening dementia, let’s quickly recap what dementia is. Dementia is a term for a collection of symptoms caused by disorders affecting the brain. Alzheimer’s disease is a common example, amongst many others. The symptoms include memory loss, confusion, and problems with speech and understanding. It majorly affects people in their old age. Importantly, these symptoms are severe enough to impair a person’s daily life, not just occasional forgetfulness.

Signs that dementia is getting worse

Increasing Memory Loss and Confusion

In the early stages of dementia, a person may forget names or faces or struggle to remember recent events. As dementia progresses to moderate or severe stages, this memory loss becomes more noticeable. They may forget familiar people and places or not remember the day or time. If you notice an increased level of forgetfulness and confusion in your loved one, it could be an indication of worsening dementia.

Difficulty Concentrating and Planning

Someone with dementia might struggle to follow along with complex tasks. They may have difficulty making decisions, planning, or solving problems. This difficulty can get more profound as dementia progresses. You might notice that your loved one takes longer to perform tasks or can’t concentrate on them as well as before.

Changes in Personality or Mood

An often overlooked symptom of dementia, but equally important, are changes in mood and personality. Early symptoms might include apathy, depression, or nervousness. As the disease progresses, these symptoms can change and often get worse. Individuals with advanced dementia may show paranoia, hallucinations, or aggressive behaviour.

Problems with Physical Movements

People with dementia may gradually find it harder to perform tasks that involve coordination, such as walking or using equipment. These problems may worsen, leading to increased difficulty moving around or even physical pain.

Sudden Deterioration of Symptoms

Sometimes, the symptoms of dementia may worsen suddenly. This could be due to an underlying health issue, like infection, stroke, or changes in medication.

When is it time to seek help?

Whenever you notice one or more of these symptoms getting worse, it’s time to seek medical attention. Even if you’re not sure, it’s always better to err on the side of caution. If your loved one has been diagnosed with dementia, any changes should be reported to their doctor.

Managing Worsening Dementia

While there’s currently no cure for dementia, there are ways to manage symptoms and improve the quality of life for those affected. This involves a combination of pharmaceutical treatments, modifying the environment to make it more dementia-friendly, dietary changes, and engagement in mental and physical exercises.

Conclusion

Recognising the signs of worsening dementia is critical in ensuring that loved ones or patients receive the help they need. At PrimeCarers, we understand how essential it is to have professionals who can help monitor these changes. Hence, we strive to match private carers with the expertise and compassion to care for clients with dementia and their unique needs. Remember, you are not alone in caring for a loved one with worsening dementia; resources and help are available.