The holidays are the time of year when families and friends come together to celebrate and spend time with one another. Unfortunately, this is also the time of year when dementia and Alzheimer’s symptoms can become even more apparent.
If you have a loved one who has been diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, it’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms so you can provide the care and support they need. Here are 30 ways to tell if a loved one has dementia during the holidays.
1. Confusion
A person with dementia may become easily confused, particularly in unfamiliar surroundings or when presented with an unexpected situation.
2. Misplacing Things
Dementia can cause a person to misplace things, particularly important items like keys, glasses, and wallets.
3. Repetition
People with dementia may repeat stories, questions, or comments over and over again, often without realizing that they have repeated themselves.
4. Difficulty Communicating
Dementia can make it hard for a person to communicate effectively, leading to problems with understanding and expressing themselves.
5. Mood Changes
Dementia can cause mood swings and personality changes, sometimes making a person agitated, anxious, or depressed.
6. Social Isolation
A loved one with dementia may start to withdraw from social situations and activities they once enjoyed.
7. Difficulty Planning and Problem-Solving
Dementia can affect a person’s ability to plan and solve problems, making everyday tasks more challenging.
8. Loss of Interest in Hobbies and Activities
A person with dementia may lose interest in hobbies and activities they once enjoyed, making it difficult to engage them in meaningful activities.
9. Changes in Appetite
Dementia may affect a person’s appetite and eating habits, leading to weight loss or gain.
10. Poor Judgment
Dementia can make it difficult for a person to make sound judgments, leading them to make poor decisions.
11. Difficulty with Balance and Coordination
Dementia can affect a person’s balance and coordination, making them more prone to falls or accidents.
12. Sleep Issues
Dementia can affect a person’s sleep patterns, often causing them to sleep during the day and be awake at night.
13. Inability to Recognize Familiar Faces
A person with dementia may start to have difficulty recognizing familiar faces, including family members and close friends.
14. Difficulty Understanding Time and Place
Dementia can make it hard for a person to keep track of time and understand where they are or what is happening around them.
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15. Excessive Wandering
Dementia can cause a person to wander aimlessly, sometimes putting them at risk for getting lost or injured.
16. Changes in Personality
Dementia can cause a person’s personality to change, sometimes making them more irritable or withdrawn than before.
17. Repetitive Behaviors
A person with dementia may engage in repetitive behaviors, such as pacing, tapping, or rearranging items.
18. Difficulty with Speech
Dementia can affect a person’s ability to speak clearly or find the right words to express themselves.
19. Agitation or Restlessness
Dementia may cause a person to become restless or agitated, particularly in situations that are unfamiliar or uncomfortable.
20. Poor Judgment When Handling Money
A person with dementia may start to have trouble managing their finances, often making poor decisions or giving money away to strangers.
21. Loss of Empathy
Dementia can cause a person to lose their ability to empathize with others, sometimes leading to aggressive or violent behavior.
22. Hallucinations or Delusions
Dementia can cause a person to experience hallucinations or delusions, which may be frightening or confusing for them.
23. Difficulty with Directions
A person with dementia may have trouble finding their way around, even in familiar surroundings.
24. Poor Hygiene
Dementia can make it difficult for a person to maintain good personal hygiene, sometimes leading to poor grooming habits or unpleasant body odor.
25. Loss of Inhibitions
Dementia can cause a person to lose their inhibitions, sometimes engaging in inappropriate or dangerous behaviors.
26. Hoarding
A person with dementia may start to hoard items, sometimes risking their safety or health by piling items up in their living space.
27. Inability to Complete Daily Tasks
Dementia can make it difficult for a person to complete everyday tasks, such as cooking, cleaning, or dressing themselves.
28. Difficulty Remembering Recent Events
A person with dementia may have trouble remembering recent events, sometimes forgetting where they have been or what they have done in the past few days or weeks.
29. Lack of Initiative
Dementia can make a person lose their initiative, sometimes leading to a lack of motivation or drive to engage in meaningful activities.
30. Loss of Independence
Dementia can make a person lose their independence, often requiring them to rely on family members or caregivers for their daily needs.
