How To Manage Early Symptoms And Signs Of Dementia In Women
Dementia encompasses various brain disorders that cause a decline in cognitive function. Left unmanaged, dementia can severely affect the daily life of not just the individual with the condition but also those around them. Women have a higher risk than men of developing dementia, such as that caused by Alzheimer's disease. Knowing the early signs of dementia can be important, as an early diagnosis can help healthcare providers identify conditions such as mixed dementia, vascular dementia, and frontotemporal dementia.
Managing early signs and symptoms involves watching for common symptoms, including memory lapses, difficulty with everyday tasks, and changes in language skills. Cognitive decline in women may also appear as shifts in personality or social withdrawal. These symptoms don't just materialize in advanced age; early-onset dementia can appear prior to the age of 65.
Potential early symptoms of dementia
Dementia can cause various symptoms that can affect a woman’s behavior, personality, and overall mental health. Women may develop dementia in subtle ways, but certain changes may become noticeable with careful observation.
Common early symptoms in women may include:
- Memory loss: Forgetting recently learned information or important dates is often one of the first signs of dementia.
- Difficulty completing familiar tasks: Women living with dementia may experience difficulty with budgeting, driving, or recalling the rules of a favorite game.
- Confusion with time or place: Another common symptom may be losing track of dates, seasons, and the passage of time.
- Trouble understanding visual images: Difficulty with balance or reading may also occur.
- New problems with words: Women living with dementia might experience difficulty following conversations or finding the right word.
- Challenges in planning or problem-solving: It may become difficult to plan events or solve problems that were once straightforward.
- Misplacing things and being unable to retrace steps to find them: Someone with dementia may frequently lose items and not remember where they were placed.
- Changes in mood, personality, or behavior: Dementia may also lead to out-of-character behaviors and noticeable shifts in mood or personality traits.
- Social withdrawal: Women living with dementia may start to avoid social activities, hobbies, or gatherings they once enjoyed.
Everyone experiences these symptoms differently, and they’re not unique to women. Early signs can often warrant an evaluation by a healthcare provider.
Managing symptoms and signs of dementia in women
Managing the symptoms and early signs of dementia may help slow the disease's progression and maintain quality of life for women. Using personalized strategies to address memory problems and other cognitive challenges may help make daily life easier and more comfortable.
Keep a diary or notepad
A diary or notepad can be a helpful tool for women with dementia to improve their memory. Encouraging them to write down important information like appointments, names, and tasks may help them remember better. For example, having a notepad on the kitchen counter can assist in writing down grocery lists and meal plans to stay organized.
Use memory aids
Memory aids are tools that help people with dementia remember daily tasks and important events. These can include setting alarms for medication or using sticky notes with reminders in easy-to-see spots. A calendar clock may be especially useful as it shows not just the time but also the date and day of the week. Additionally, various smartphone apps can be used to set reminders for specific tasks, making it easier to manage appointments and daily routines.
Create structured daily routines
A structured daily routine may help make life more predictable and less stressful for women with dementia. Consistent schedules can strengthen daily habits and make tasks more automatic, reducing the mental effort needed. Creating a routine that includes set meal and sleep times may be a helpful starting point.
Use brain training games
Although they are not a cure, games that stimulate the mind can help keep the mind sharp. Activities like puzzles or memory-matching games provide entertainment and mental challenges, possibly benefiting cognitive health in an enjoyable way.
Join support groups
Support groups create a community where women with dementia can connect with others facing similar challenges. For example, participating in a local Alzheimer's support group may provide a sense of belonging for those experiencing the disease. These groups may offer emotional support and a chance to learn about the experiences of others while offering practical advice.
Try therapy
Various therapies may benefit those managing early dementia symptoms. Occupational therapy, for example, can help women find strategies to cope with daily tasks, while cognitive-behavioral therapy may help manage emotional challenges. For early signs of dementia, reminiscence therapy, which involves discussing past experiences and memories, can be particularly effective in maintaining cognitive function and emotional well-being.
Incorporate stress reduction activities
Activities that reduce stress, such as guided meditation, yoga, or simple breathing exercises, promote overall well-being and may aid in managing dementia symptoms. For instance, implementing a daily meditation routine may help promote relaxation and mental clarity. In one study, mindfulness-based interventions improved quality of life and reduced depression in early-stage Alzheimer's patients over six months, while untreated patients showed a decline.
Keep connections with friends and family
Maintaining social connections may help with emotional support and cognitive health. Regular conversations with friends and family can give women with dementia a sense of security and belonging, possibly supporting memory retention through active engagement and social interaction.
Maintain hobbies
Encouraging women with dementia to maintain hobbies that they enjoy can provide mental stimulation and a sense of accomplishment. For instance, gardening or painting engages the mind in a non-stressful and enjoyable way, which can have therapeutic effects on cognitive health.
Keep routine medical checkups
Routine medical checkups can be vital for monitoring the progression of dementia and adjusting care plans as needed. With regular visits, a healthcare provider can assess early symptoms and recommend ways to manage them, especially if the condition starts to progress. These checkups also provide an opportunity to discuss any new symptoms or concerns that may have arisen since the last visit.
Maintain positive lifestyle choices
Certain lifestyle choices, such as nutritious eating, regular physical activity, and adequate sleep, may have a positive impact on dementia symptoms. A balanced diet rich in vegetables and fruits coupled with daily walks may contribute to physical and cognitive health. Also, having a strong support network of friends, family, and caregivers can be crucial in handling the challenges of dementia.
Find support online
Dementia can be isolating for both the individual diagnosed and their caregivers. However, various online resources can provide support. Online forums, support groups, and educational websites provide a community and knowledge base for affected individuals and families.
Studies suggest that online interventions can be a valuable option for those managing dementia. A study published in 2022 found that an online cognitive intervention led to improvements in cognitive functions and depression symptoms for individuals with mild dementia.
Also, online therapy may be helpful for family members of those with dementia, who may have limited time due to caregiving responsibilities. With online therapy at BetterHelp, family members can connect with a therapist via audio, video, or live chat. They can also contact their therapist in between sessions via in-app messaging, which may be helpful for those who experience stress related to caregiving.
Takeaway
Several strategies and interventions are available to help manage the early signs of dementia. Support from loved ones and healthcare professionals can help in finding assistance and guidance for managing symptoms.
It may also help to speak with a licensed therapist, both for individuals with dementia and their loved ones. Regardless of whether dementia is affecting you directly or as a loved one of someone with the condition, there is help available through therapy. Take the first step toward getting support and reach out to BetterHelp today.
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