The Dangers Of Ignoring The Warning Signs Of Dementia

Memory Care Facility

As per recent statistics, only 40 to 50 percent of instances with dementia have received a diagnosis. That indicates that the majority of Alzheimer’s and dementia patients aren’t getting the care they require.

While it’s possible for dementia symptoms to go unnoticed, this is more commonly the case when older adults and their loved ones refuse to face the harsh fact that dementia is a life-limiting illness. The true risk of disregarding dementia’s warning symptoms can be medical issues, mishaps and injuries, as well as financial problems that put our loved ones’ future security in danger. Senior living experts in our assisted living facility share some of the dangers of ignoring the warning signs of dementia for your knowledge.

Poor Management Of Chronic Health Conditions

High blood pressure, heart disease, congestive heart failure, cardiac dysrhythmia, or diabetes are common coexisting medical disorders in dementia patients. Additionally, they frequently have trouble maintaining their prescription regimens as a result of dementia.

One of the true risks of disregarding the warning symptoms of dementia is prescription medication errors, such as taking too much medication, not enough medication, or failing to refill prescriptions. Poor chronic disease treatment might result in hospitalization and major medical issues. Even worse, it has been discovered that dementia symptoms, such as disorientation and agitation, are made worse by symptoms of underlying medical disorders, such as infection, pain, and metabolic problems.

Difficulty managing medicines is one of the most prevalent indications of dementia. It will be easier to manage coexisting health conditions and avoid more serious complications if you accompany your parent to the doctor, take careful notes about the prescription instructions, call for refills and pick up prescriptions, and make sure he or she is taking meds.

Home Accidents Result In Injuries And Property Damage

Many people choose to overlook dementia’s early warning symptoms because they don’t want to change their way of life or lose their independence. The inability to adjust to new restrictions may cause Mom or Dad to suddenly become “accident prone,” which, if disregarded, could harm them or other people.

According to research, those who are experiencing the early stages of dementia experience an “especially high” rate of falls—on average, four per year. Additionally, about 30% of those with early-stage dementia had been involved in at least one auto accident since their symptoms first appeared, according to research.

Accidents increase in frequency as a result of people with dementia being reluctant to change their lives. Accidents that injure your parents or another person may be avoided with the help of arrangements that minimize a parent’s need to drive and modifications that make their home more secure or accessible.