LOOK OUT FOR THESE COGNITIVE DECLINE SIGNS

MorningStar at Arcadia is more than just a place for a senior loved one to call home. Our caregivers also provide memory care services, which include being able to recognize the signs of cognitive decline. Recognizing the signs of cognitive decline in the earliest stage allows our caregivers to take steps that help our residents improve their cognitive skills,

Although everyone experiences some form of forgetfulness, a decline in cognitive skills goes well beyond the standard bad day when we forget something. Between 15 and 20 percent of seniors 65 and older live with some form of cognitive impairment. Symptoms of cognitive decline can remain stable or even improve over time. However, some cases of cognitive decline indicate the development of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

Let’s see how the caregivers at our assisted living facility in Phoenix recognize the signs of cognitive decline.

Misplacing Items

Does a senior loved one frequently set an item down, walk a few steps away from the item, and then forget where the item is located? Misplacing things happen most often for common-use items such as room keys and wallets/purses. It can trigger an incredible amount of frustration that eventually morphs into a mental condition such as depression. Not only does misplacing items indicate one of the signs of cognitive decline, but it is also considered an especially worrisome sign when a senior places an item in an inappropriate location.

For example, a senior who typically places the room keys on a coffee table starts placing the keys in strange locations like inside the freezer or under the bed.

Difficulty Completing Ordinary Tasks

It is one thing for a senior to have trouble solving a complex crossword or jigsaw puzzle. It is quite another thing for seniors to have difficulty completing routine daily tasks, such as cooking meals and grooming themselves. A senior loved one showing signs of cognitive decline cannot complete the same tasks they have completed all their lives. This also includes dressing and using the oven for baking.

Speaking Difficulties

One of the most noticeable signs of cognitive decline is when a senior begins to slur speech. Slurred speech indicates a disruption in the transmission of signals inside the brain. Speaking difficulties also include forgetting words and substituting words that have no place in a conversation. Seniors with early-stage dementia or Alzheimer’s disease also can blurt out words at the most inappropriate times and places.

Disorientation

Another highly visible sign of cognitive decline concerns a senior who has trouble knowing the day of the week or getting lost while at a familiar place. Seniors suffering from cognitive decline can walk on a once familiar street, only to panic when they cannot remember how to return to the place where they started. Disorientation can turn into a dangerous sign of cognitive decline if not detected. A senior loved one can walk outside of an assisted living facility and wander off to a place the senior no longer recognizes.

The MorningStar mission of “To honor, to value, to invest” includes providing the best memory care services. Our caregivers receive extensive training to detect the signs of cognitive decline, as well as implement steps that enhance brain performance. Connect with one of our caregivers to learn more about the highly-rated memory care services provided at our assisted living facility.