As a progressive disease, dementia can cause physical, mental, and emotional anguish for both the person diagnosed with Memory Loss and their loved ones. While it is not curable, receiving the right Memory Care in the early stages can help alleviate many of the issues and challenges associated with living with Memory Loss.
Dementia begins as a slow cerebral decline that can affect the daily living, mobility, and overall health of a person as it advances over time. An early diagnosis opens the door to medical and non-medical treatments that may help slow down or prevent the progression of the disease.
Understanding Dementia
Dementia is an umbrella term for several types of degenerative illnesses that target the function of the brain. Alzheimer’s disease is the most commonly known form of dementia, with vascular dementia being the second most prevalent type. Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, frontotemporal dementia, and mixed dementia all fall under the umbrella of dementia.
Each type of dementia has its own set of symptoms that can overlap. Common symptoms are short-term and long-term Memory Loss and impediments with thinking, problem-solving, and language. One or more of these dementia symptoms can make it difficult for someone living with Memory Loss to complete daily living activities.
The Challenges of Late Diagnosis
With early diagnosis, sometimes the progression of the disease can be slowed down and/or prevented with specialized therapy and medication. The problem with early diagnosis, however, is that many cognitive disorders and brain issues, such as injuries and other health conditions, can share common symptoms of dementia. This makes it difficult to diagnose dementia early.
Therefore, it’s more common to get a diagnosis during the middle or end stages of dementia. During these stages, people with dementia may have greater difficulty in performing daily tasks, speaking, and understanding the world around them. People with middle to late-stage dementia may exhibit signs of confusion, wandering, behavioural changes, difficulty in eating, interrupted sleep patterns, and a loss of bladder and bowel control.
While a person in the early stages of dementia may be able to perform most daily living activities with little to no assistance, the disease progresses to the point where full support and assistance are mandatory. The loss of physical, emotional, and mental functions leads to the need for around-the-clock care.
Benefits of Early Detection
This is why early diagnosis is crucial for those experiencing any form of dementia. Lifestyle changes and medication therapy may help slow the progression of the disease. Intervention with dementia Memory Care support has been shown to improve the quality of life for most people diagnosed. This in turn also helps ease the burden on families and care partners who dedicate their time to care for a person living with dementia.
An early diagnosis provides an opportunity for care partners to plan and adjust to the physical, emotional, and mental toll the condition presents. Having the option to be educated and seek proper support through community and online resources can enhance the care given and received. In addition, it is important to include the person living with Memory Loss in all short-term and long-term care decisions if possible.
Early Detection Strategies
With the wide range of symptoms dementia can present, it is crucial to understand the early warning signs. Memory Loss, mood and personality changes, social isolation, confusion, and problem-solving difficulties are key symptoms to be aware of in the beginning stages of the disease.
While many people may brush off forgetfulness or confusion as a sign of aging, you should seek medical advice to rule out the early signs of dementia. Regular cognitive assessments and screening by a trusted healthcare professional can differentiate between the signs of aging and a more serious condition.
Once diagnostic tests confirm a dementia diagnosis, a Memory Care plan that includes various treatments by certified healthcare professionals to manage the symptoms of dementia can be created. This may involve but not be limited to doctors, nurses, clinical psychologists, social workers, general psychiatrists, and therapists (speech, physical, and occupational).
Structured programs that are customized to the individual’s unique needs can be found in Memory Care environments. Reputable settings offer respite care and short-term and long-term accommodations, as well as programs for both the person living with Memory Loss and their care partners.
Memory & Company’s Approach to Early Detection
As the world’s first respite hotel, Memory & Company offers Premium Day Programs and short-term and long-term accommodations for dementia care in Oakville and Markham. This Memory Loss environment provides services that support early detection with specialized programs, early screening and assessment, and comprehensive services tailored to the individual’s needs.
At Memory & Company, the specialized programs, medical care, and nutritional plans are developed with the safety, security, and overall well-being of the person living with Memory Loss in mind. Each Member has access to recreation therapists, personal support workers, social workers, nurses, and gerontologists for early screening and regular care.
We take a proactive approach to prevent dangerous situations and our memory environments include ongoing monitoring and security features. The building is designed for easy navigation with bright short corridors, intimate rooms, circular environments, high-contrast colours, and distinctive landmarks.
Don’t Delay, Get Informed: Memory & Company Can Help Navigate Early Detection of Dementia
If you or a loved one is displaying the early signs and symptoms of dementia, contact Memory & Company for help. With access to specialists and screening programs, we can guide you on this journey to a proper diagnosis.
We focus on Memory Care in Oakville and Markham and offer specialized programs and accommodations for those living with Memory Loss and their care partners. We offer respite care, short-term accommodations, and long-term care based on the physical and social needs of the person living with Memory Loss.
Contact us today for more information or to book a personal tour of our Oakville or Markham locations.
