Cognitive decline can cause issues with a senior’s thinking, communication skills, eyesight, memory, and other functions. Although cognitive decline cannot be prevented, there are ways seniors can delay its onset. Here are some of the most common symptoms of memory impairment.
1. Confusion
Forgetting where they placed their car keys may be normal for some seniors, but constant confusion is a common symptom of cognitive decline. In addition to confusion, your elderly parent may become agitated due to the difficulty of completing simple tasks or the inability to communicate with other people clearly. Don’t get upset with your loved one. Instead, offer assistance and simplify your parent’s tasks. You can also use visual aids to help your parent throughout the day.
If your aging loved one needs help managing everyday tasks or encouragement to adopt healthier lifestyle choices, turn to Senior Stride Home Care, a leading provider of elderly home care. Senior Stride Home Care provides professional in-home caregivers around the clock to help seniors live longer, happier, and healthier lives.
2. Poor Motor Coordination
Many seniors with cognitive decline experience gait and balance issues. To boost bone health and prevent osteoporosis, seniors need regular moderate exercise. Older adults can also enhance their motor coordination by increasing their vitamin D intake.
3. Impaired Judgment
Older adults experiencing cognitive decline may find it difficult to determine right from wrong. Make sure your loved one isn’t having a negative reaction to medication. If so, ask the doctor about alternative prescriptions or treatment options. In the event impaired judgment is making it difficult for your parent to handle daily tasks, consider hiring an in-home caregiver.
If your aging loved one needs occasional help with bathing, grooming, cooking, or other basic household tasks, or if you need time to attend to important personal matters, reach out to Senior Stride Home Care, a leading provider of live-in and respite care. Oshkosh seniors can maintain their independence while living at home with the help of our reliable respite caregivers.
4. Short-Term Memory Loss
Seniors who cannot remember simple things like what they ate for breakfast or wore to bed may be experiencing cognitive decline. The memory decreases over time, so your loved one is at higher risk for short-term and long-term memory loss. However, you can help your parent stave off conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease by encouraging him or her to follow a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and develop positive habits to combat stress. These things lead to good circulation, which can stop blockages that damage the brain.
5. Inability to Identify Loved Ones
When seniors are no longer able to identify their friends and family members, they may have developed chronic, acute, or progressive cognitive decline. Older adults may have difficulty remembering names of people they speak with each day, street addresses they regularly drive to, or organizations they belong to.
You can help your loved one stave off these symptoms by making sure he or she gets a good night’s sleep, stays hydrated, continues to socialize, and adopts other healthy lifestyle choices.
Caring for older adults with mild to moderate cognitive decline can be difficult for some caregivers. Families who need help caring for senior loved ones can turn to Senior Stride Home Care, a leading provider of Oshkosh elder care. Services available in our customizable care plans include meal prep, mental and social stimulation, assistance with personal hygiene tasks, and much more. Call one of our friendly Care Managers today at 920-717-1767 to learn more about our customized care plans.