Dementia is a serious condition that can affect people in a variety of different ways. Many people experiencing dementia will notice memory loss, frequent confusion, and abnormal changes in their mood and personality, leading to a need for professional memory care.
This condition typically affects seniors over 65, but it can begin to show signs in people as young as their 40s or 50s. There are multiple types of the condition that can progress at different rates and cause various symptoms, which is why an early diagnosis of dementia is important for the best care.
Westminster Place is proud to provide top-of-the-line dementia and Alzheimer’s memory care throughout our Texas facilities. You can learn more about life at Westminster Place by calling 903.329.6520 or browsing our website and reading about our many amenities and services.
What Is Early Diagnosis of Dementia?
If your loved one is starting to show signs of dementia, it may be time to seek a diagnosis for them. You may be wondering, what is early diagnosis of dementia in the overall experience of this condition?
A healthcare provider will be able to accurately assess your loved one’s current health status and rate of dementia or Alzheimer’s progression using:
- A variety of medical tests
- Knowledge of their genetic history
- Physical examinations
Generally, if a person is diagnosed within the first few months of symptoms, their diagnosis will be considered early. However, symptoms aren’t the only ways to check the progression of dementia.
Why Early Diagnosis of Dementia Is Often Avoided
Developing dementia is a major fear for many people, often even more so than cancer and other diseases. This fear can cause people to avoid a diagnosis, even if they start to experience symptoms like memory loss or confusion.
If your loved one is showing signs of developing dementia, seek medical attention as soon as possible. An early diagnosis of dementia benefits everyone, including the person experiencing it and their loved ones. Once the condition has advanced past certain stages, effective treatment can be more difficult to administer.
Benefits of an Early Diagnosis of DementiaÂ
Why is it so important for your loved one to be diagnosed sooner rather than later? Several distinct benefits come along with an early dementia diagnosis.
Access to More Information
Without a specific diagnosis and direction from a healthcare professional, you and your loved one may not be able to determine the best plan of action moving forward.
As seniors start to experience dementia symptoms that make independent living more difficult, knowing what to expect from the current and future stages of their condition can make planning ahead much easier.
Additionally, it can help empower them to take charge of their own health and prioritize healthy habits that may even help to slow the progression of dementia.
More Effective Care
If your family member is already supported by a caregiver, a dementia diagnosis can help their caregiver provide much more effective assistance focused on the specific needs of the person in their care. This is true whether the individual is cared for by a professional or a family member.
Long-Term Independent Living
An early diagnosis of dementia can mean that the individual experiencing the symptoms could potentially live independently for longer. When dementia isn’t spotted until its advanced stages, it generally means that independent living is no longer an option.
Seniors with early dementia can modify their daily routines to support their condition, making it easier to remain independent.
Memory Care You Can Rely on at Westminster Place
Whether your loved one is in need of part-time respite care or full-time support at one of our facilities, the caring and professional team at Westminster Place is here to help. Learn more by contacting us online or calling 903.329.6520.