Category: Regency Health Tips

Finding Dangerous Inflammation with the ESR Test

Posted on by Judah

The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) test is a commonly-administered blood test that can reveal inflammatory processes in the body. The test measures how quickly red blood cells sink to the bottom of a test tube of blood. Inflammation causes higher amounts of protein in the blood, causing red blood cells to “clump.” These clumps are heavier than regular blood cells, and therefore settle to the bottom of the test tube at a faster rate in people afflicted with inflammatory diseases.

Although the ESR test is nonspecific, meaning the specific cause of the inflammatory response is not indicated by the test, it nevertheless informs the doctor of the need for further testing to determine the cause of inflammation.

The normal reference range for ESR is 1-13 mm/hr for males and 1-20 mm/hr for females. The normal range changes with age, as is expected since some degree of increased inflammation is usually found among older people. But for those whose ESR level falls outside of the normal range, the possibility of disease requires further investigation.

People with low ESR levels may suffer from leukemia; congestive heart failure; or an increase in blood thickness, known as hyperviscosity; among other conditions.

People with elevated ESR levels may suffer from any of a number of inflammatory diseases, for example, rheumatoid arthritis, anemia, thyroid disease, kidney disease, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma.

While ESR levels outside of the normal range do not always indicate serious illness, an out-of-range result will alert your doctor to check for underlying conditions.

With the availability of so many tests that can uncover potentially serious conditions, it is important to be proactive, visit your doctor regularly, and be willing to withstand the discomfort of a needle prick in exchange for the important information a blood test can provide. The earlier the diagnosis of any condition, the greater the likelihood of a good outcome.

At the Regency Nursing and Rehabilitation Centers, we offer the very best of care in a patient-centered environment. This means following our residents’ health carefully, listening to them, and respecting their capabilities, while helping them to achieve maximum functionality and independence — and always maintaining the highest professional and quality standards in our staff and our facilities. Our 25 years of excellent care have led to us being awarded a Best Nursing Homes award by US News & World Today, a 5-Star rating by USA Today, and an A+ rating by the Better Business Bureau, among many other awards.

Contact us by clicking here to see which of our three facilities will best meet your needs or the needs of your loved one.

How to Set an Effective New Years Resolution

How to Set an Effective New Years Resolution

Posted on by Judah

As the holiday season draws to a close, and the last of the trimmings have been stored away, most people turn toward the coming year with a resolve to change something for the better. Whatever your age or stage in life, setting goals for self-improvement is a great way to refocus and get a fresh perspective for the new year.

Why is it, then, that so many people—as much as 92 percent of Americans—have all but forgotten their goals come February? Experts say that there is actually a method to finding a New Year’s resolution you can stick to.

Make it positive and enjoyable.

If you’re already dreading it before you start, you’re going to drop that resolution fast. Find something you will look forward to, or at least plan it in an enjoyable way. If you’ve resolved to be more physically active, choose an enjoyable exercise routine or do it with a friend. If you plan to organize your old papers and documents, plan a time of day to work on it, and reward yourself afterward.

Write it down.

Writing down your resolution will help you think it through clearly and plan for strategies for when the going gets tough. While you’ll probably be feeling eager to consume only carrot sticks and green beans for the first week of January, what will happen when that craving for sweets hits?

Get support.

There’s nothing like company when it comes to the journey to reach your goals. Get a friend or family member on board to help you stay focused and motivated.

Pick something small, concrete and doable.

This is probably the biggest factor in the goals that are achieved and the ones that are left to gather dust with the New Year’s party blowers. Don’t paint your resolution in broad terms; break it down into concrete, bite-sized chunks. Want to start eating more healthfully? Plan two ways that you’ll incorporate additional healthy foods into your diet. Dreaming of decluttering your home? Choose one room—or even part of a room!—and designate a specific time for it.

That said, here are six realistic goals that can be your springboard toward an accomplishing 2019:

  • Update legal documents. You never know when you’ll need them, and when you do, it’s usually too late. Draw up your will if you haven’t done so yet, and make sure your living will and power of attorney documents are in order.
  • Choose one area to improve in health. This is a biggie. Good nutrition, healthy sleeping habits, and regular exercise are vital in keeping your body fit for many more years to come. Don’t aim to work on all at once—pick one doable improvement, such as resolving to eat more veggies, and stick to it.
  • Learn something new about technology. One of the best ways to stay young is to keep up with the world around you. What better way than by learning about a useful technology? Skype and social media are great ways to keep in touch with friends and family, and learning new things has been proven to improve cognitive health.
  • Go for a physical. Checkups are ever more important as the body ages. Your doctor will be able to detect small problems before they develop into full-blown crises, and can also assist you in helping to maintain your good health.
  • Have that tough conversation you’ve been pushing off. There’s no time like the present! The start of the new year is the perfect time for a discussion about the future. Talk to your family members about plans for your future needs and care.

The Best Diet in the World

Posted on by Judah

Mediterranean diet: olive oil, cherry tomatoes, and a leafy green herbAs November draws to a close, I wanted to talk about a way of eating that has been touted as the healthiest diet in the world.

November is National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month, and we’ve been covering the topic extensively on our corporate blog.

Alzheimer’s disease is progressive mental deterioration that ends in complete infirmity and eventual death. Much is still unknown about the disease, but one thing is clear:

Following the Mediterranean Diet can reduce your chances of the disease. Fringe benefits include improving your heart health, brain health, energy levels, and overall physical well being.

These are ambitious claims for a diet to make, but eating in the Mediterranean way has proven health benefits. Let’s explore the diet and see how you can incorporate it into your own life.

The Mediterranean Diet: The Healthiest Diet on Earth

About 50 years ago, researchers discovered that Italians were living longer and healthier than Americans. In fact, all the countries along the Mediterranean Sea had lower incidences of heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and other age-related diseases.

Today, study after study has shown that the traditional cooking in those cultures is the source of their health and longevity. Here are just some of the scientifically proven benefits of the Mediterranean Diet:

In fact, if you go back to every article we’ve written on various age-related conditions and diseases, you would probably find recommendations in sync with the Mediterranean Diet. Following this lifestyle is the single-most effective steps you can take to maintain your health long-term.

So what does the diet include?

Here are the key components of the heart-healthy eating plan:

  • Eating mostly plant-based foods. These include vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, and nuts. Leafy greens are especially beneficial.
  • Substituting healthy fats, such as olive oil and canola oil, in place of butter.
  • Limiting salt, and using a rich variety of spices and herbs to flavor your food instead.
  • Eating red meat no more than once a week.
  • Eating lean meats, such as poultry, and fish around twice a week.
  • Avoiding processed foods, especially those with a lot of sugar, trans fats, and fake flavorings.
  • Exercising regularly and responsibly.

Following the Mediterranean lifestyle isn’t easy, but after a few weeks of eating real food and exercising, you’ll begin to feel much more energized. Your cholesterol levels will improve, you might lose that excess weight, and your heart will do better.

Even if you can’t give up all aspects of the standard (and unhealthy) American diet, even making some smaller changes can provide huge health benefits.

Here are some to get you started:

  • Drink flavored seltzer or water instead of cola.
  • Snack on roasted, unsalted nuts instead of potato chips.
  • Make one day a week your “vegetarian day,” and eat only fresh, plant-based foods that day.
  • Start taking a brisk, 20-minute walk every day.
  • Use canola cooking spray, instead of butter, to fry your morning omelet.
  • Visit your local farmers market and stock up on fresh, in-season fruits and vegetables. Then grab one anytime you feel the munchies.

I hope these ideas can help jump start your journey to a healthier you. Let us know in the comments what aspect of the Mediterranean diet you’re going to incorporate into your current lifestyle!

Happy Thanksgiving—And National Family History Day!

Posted on by Judah

photo of fall bounty, including pumpkin, squash, mushroomsToday, November 22, 2018, is Thanksgiving Day.

Thanksgiving has its roots deep in American history, when the pilgrims held a festival to thank God and their generous native neighbors who helped them survive the first year in their new colony.

We celebrate Thanksgiving with families and friends gathering to share a bountiful meal and spending time together. What do families talk about when they get together for their Thanksgiving dinner?

Forget about politics, sports, or gossip. Thanksgiving dinner is the perfect time to talk about family history—family medical history, that is.

With all the advancements of modern medicine, knowing your family health history remains one of the most important tools in detecting and fighting hereditary diseases. It’s so essential, the U.S. Surgeon General declared Thanksgiving as National Family History Day.

This Thanksgiving, take some time to learn and document your family health history. It’s the best holiday gift you can give your family to ensure a longer and healthier future.

How Family History Affects Your Health

You already know that certain hair colors, temperaments, and talents run in your family. Along with blue eyes and a short temper, your parents may have passed down certain genes that make some medical conditions more likely.

Some common hereditary medical conditions are:

  • Arthritis
  • Certain cancers
  • Diabetes
  • Heart disease
  • Osteoporosis
  • Stroke

When you know the health conditions your parents and grandparents had, you can start learning about them, take steps to prevent it, and find out if regular screening would be appropriate.

Tracing your family’s health history can also tell you how high your risk is. For example, if more than one close relative has a specific disease, your personal risk is usually higher than someone with just one relative with that condition.

How to Collect Family Health History

Tell your family members what you’re doing and why. Ask them to help you compile the information. You want to catalog data about your relatives related to you by blood, those are your parents, grandparents, children, siblings, and your parents’ siblings.

Here’s what you should look for:

  • Birth defects
  • Childhood health problems
  • Age of death
  • Cause of death
  • Common adult diseases

There are two powerful online tools you can use to document your family’s medical history, share it with your family members, and show it to your doctors when necessary.

  1. My Family Health Portrait from the Centers for Disease Control
  2. Family Health History Book from Genetic Alliance

Don’t push it off for another year. This Thanksgiving, start documenting your family’s health history.

Your loved ones will thank you.

Hope Lives: Lung Cancer Awareness Month

Posted on by Judah

Did you know that lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths? It claims more lives than colon, breast, and prostate cancer combined.

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, and the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) wants more research and more treatment breakthroughs in the fight against the deadly cancer.

Each new study or discovery about lung cancer brings new hope to cancer patients and their families. More research makes more survivors, says IASLC, and raising awareness is the first step.graphic from IASLC for Lung Cancer Awareness Month shows a white ribbon with the trachea superimposed on it.

What is Lung Cancer?

Lung cancer develops when abnormal cells begin to grow uncontrollably in one or both lungs. The cells form tumors, usually in the cells that line the air passages.

The tumors can be either benign or malignant, and they block the lung’s main function of providing oxygen to the blood. When the tumors are malignant, they can also metastasize and spread to other areas of the body—such as the brain. When lung cancer becomes metastatic, it is usually not curable.

There are two main types of lung cancer, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer. Non-small cell lung cancer accounts for the vast majority of lung cancer cases. There are several sub-types of NSCLC, each originating from different types of lung cells.

The three main forms of NSCLC are:

  • Adenocarcinoma—cancers that start in cells that secrete mucus and other substances. This is the most common form of lung cancer, accounting for about 40 percent of cases. It tends to grow slower than other forms of cancer, and is often caught in the early stages.
  • Squamous cell carcinoma—cancers that develop in squamous cells, the flat cells that line the airways. Around 25 – 30 percent of all lung cancers are squamous cell carcinoma, and it most often linked to smoking.
  • Large-cell carcinoma—cancer that grows and spreads quickly, making it harder to treat. It accounts for 10 – 15 percent of cases.

Treatment for NSCLC depends on the stage at which the cancer was caught. In early stages, surgery to remove the affected area may be enough. Based on individual cases, chemotherapy may also be recommended to reduce the chances of the cancer coming back.

Later stages of cancer are treated with surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, or a combination of several treatments. The more advanced or widespread a cancer is, the harder it is to treat and the worse the prognosis. 

Symptoms of Lung Cancer

There are very few symptoms of lung cancer in the early stages, so it’s hard to catch early. People at higher risk of lung cancer should talk to their doctors about getting screened annually, since there isn’t enough information about the benefits of regular screening.

Anyone who experiences the following symptoms should see their doctor immediately for a full workup:

  • Persistent coughing
  • Coughing up blood, even a small amount
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest pain
  • Hoarseness
  • Losing weight unexpectedly

Risk Factors of Lung Cancer

Smoking is by far the leading cause of lung cancer. But even being regularly exposed to secondhand smoke can raise your risk of developing lung cancer.

Other risk factors are exposure to radon gas, asbestos, and other airborne carcinogens, since our lungs are the first defense against these toxic substances.

Lastly, family history of lung cancer can also raise your risk of developing it yourself.

If you have one or multiple of these risk factors, discuss your options with your doctor. You may want to get screened annually, since some studies do show a significant benefit to regular screening. Medicare does cover annual low-dose chest CT scans for eligible beneficiaries.

If you smoke, you should also quit smoking as soon as you can. Even if you’ve smoked for years, quitting today can still reduce your risk of lung cancer! Every year that you’re smoke free reduces your risk more, to the point that a person who hasn’t smoked in 10 years has half the risk of dying from lung cancer than a person who’s still smoking.

The Great American Smokeout

Tomorrow, November 15, The American Cancer Society will host their annual “Great American Smokeout. It’s a 24-hour challenge to be completely smoke-free.

For more information, visit www.cancer.org/great-american-smokeout

 

Grief and Sleep Deprivation: Finding Ways to Cope

Posted on by Judah

 

This exclusive article was written for Regency Nursing Centers, by Sara Bailey of www.widow.net

Sara will soon be releasing her new book entitled “Hope and Help After Loss.”

Coping with loss.

After losing a loved one, people manifest grief in many different ways. Crying, disorientation, distractedness, a lack of focus, and outward signs of anger are some of the more usual symptoms. One result that’s often overlooked is the inability to sleep, even though it’s a fairly common result of profound grief, residual feelings of guilt and anger, and uncontrolled thoughts at bedtime.

People often dismiss the seriousness of lack of sleep, especially those who are accustomed to feeling tired due to busy schedules and heavy responsibilities. But when insomnia persists, it can cause serious mental and physical problems, and could even do lasting damage. If you, or someone you know, have suffered a deep personal loss and can’t overcome insomnia, be aware that it’s a situation which must be addressed.

Consequences

Medical science has documented the effects of sleep deprivation for decades, having concluded that it is a serious medical condition. People who have insomnia suffer from loss of appetite, less resistance to illness, depression, anxiety, and a tendency to become frustrated easily. It can also lead to a loss of concentration during the day, which hampers one’s ability to perform well at work or in school. If you’re getting less than six hours of sleep a night, it’s probably time to try some new sleep strategies or seek the help of a medical professional.

 

Sleep environment

A poorly arranged bedroom is often a factor in sleep deprivation. If you shared your bedroom for years, it’s probably a good time to redecorate and pay closer attention to some key factors that directly impact your ability to get healthy, restful sleep. Try adding some new artwork and repainting walls and the ceiling, opting for soothing and restful shades which are conducive to sleep.

If it helps, remove reminders of the person you’ve lost until you’re emotionally ready to reintroduce them to your sleep environment. Install blackout shades on the windows to ensure no light gets in at night or early in the morning before you’re ready to rise. Your bedroom should be totally dark, quiet, and kept below 70 degrees to keep your body temperature down at night. If there are barking dogs nearby, or the neighbor tends to rev his engine, consider using a sound device to help mask it all, such as a white noise app on your smartphone or the FitSleep tracking device, which emits alpha waves that help induce deep sleep. As you redecorate, consider incorporating a Feng Shui layout to create a more balanced energy flow. This ancient Chinese philosophy is used to create a more harmonious space and bring positive energies into a home. If you want to take it to the next level, consider hiring a consultant to help you get the maximum benefits of this philosophy, but take care to avoid scam artists or people who claim they’re certified.

Sleep routine

Sometimes, getting your body used to a regular nighttime routine can help you overcome insomnia. Your body is attuned to the natural rhythms of day and night, so tapping into that affinity can only help. Make a point of hitting the sack at the same time every evening. During the hour leading up to bedtime, try taking a hot bath, meditate while listening to soothing music, read a favorite book, or do some grief journaling to empty your mind before bed.

Sometimes, meditating and relaxing your body one part at a time while lying still in bed can help speed up the process. Avoid naps late in the afternoon or after dinner, don’t ingest caffeine or other stimulants (this includes alcohol) in the evening, and be certain that all screens are turned off in the bedroom, including TVs, computers, and handheld devices.

If it doesn’t work …

If these strategies don’t help, don’t fight it. Get up and sit in a darkened room for a half-hour or so while you read a book or focus on some deep-breathing exercises. Don’t lay there getting more and more frustrated, which only worsens the situation.

Grief and the body’s reactions to it are natural responses, part of a mental and emotional healing process that everyone goes through after the loss of someone close. For the most part, lack of sleep is a normal reaction to grief. But, if it begins to impact other parts of your life and you’re unable to resolve the problem, consult a doctor or seek grief counseling.

Protect Your Vision

Posted on by Judah

Most adults start experience vision problems right around midlife. Beginning in early to mid-40s, many people start noticing they can’t see as clearly as they used to, especially at close distances.

This is actually one of the most common medical problems people between the ages of 40 and 60 encounter. It might start with needing to hold your book or phone screen farther away from your face to see the words clearly. If you already wear prescription glasses, you might find yourself taking off your glasses to look at something up close. Many older adults find they need brighter lights in their work or living spaces to see as well as they used to.

These are all signs of normal age-related changes to the eye’s ability to focus. When you reach middle age, you should see an optometrist at least once every two years to monitor any developing conditions and vision problems.

People with chronic conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure are especially susceptible to eye problems. Many medications for common health problems such as high cholesterol, thyroid issues, and anxiety can also cause vision side effects.

For many seniors, eyesight problems is a serious worry. Nothing stifles independence like not being able to see, especially it your vision deteriorates when you’re already feeling weaker and more vulnerable.

Here are some tips to protect your eyesight at any age:

Go for regular exams

As we mentioned above, you should be seeing an eye doctor at least every two years, from middle age. It’s always easier to treat problems as soon as they crop up, so finding a vision problem in its earliest stages is so important.

When you get your eyesight checked regularly, your doctor can also monitor and increase your prescription as necessary.

You should also go for regular health screenings. Untreated diabetes or high blood pressure can cause severe vision problems and loss, so it’s important to keep your health in the best shape possible.

Wear sunglasses outdoors

Yes, even in the winter, and even when it’s not so sunny out. Harmful UV rays can still affect your retinas even on blustery days, and our eyes become more susceptible to them with age.

Make sure your sunglasses have 100 percent UV protection, and wear them whenever you’re outside during the day.

Pay attention to your diet

Colorful fruits and dark green vegetables are rich in antioxidants that can preserve your eye health. Some studies have shown antioxidants play a role in reducing your risk of cataracts.

Eating fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, can also help reduce your risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (the leading cause of blindness in seniors).

Exercise

We already know how important exercise is for our general health, but did you know it’s also great for your eyes? Regular exercise can reduce your risk of age-related macular degeneration by up to 70 percent!

Quit smoking

If you need another reason to quit smoking, studies show that people who smoke are at much greater risk of vision problems.

Family history also has a big affect on your eyesight, and some doctors say it’s the single biggest indicator of your own eye health. However, following these tips to improve your eye health certainly won’t hurt, and it will help your overall health too!

All About Parkinson’s Disease

Posted on by Judah

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disorder of the nervous system. The disease impacts people in different ways, but it all centers on affecting movement. In this article, we’ll talk about the signs and symptoms, possible interventions, and risk factors.

Parkinson’s Symptoms

The symptoms are different for everyone, and the early signs can be so slight you don’t even notice them. In most cases, one side of the body will be affected first, and remain worse even after the other side shows symptoms as well.

Here are some of the early symptoms of the disease:

  • Tremor, or shaking, often beginning in the hand or fingers
  • Slowed movement, shorter steps, difficulty rising
  • Muscle stiffness and pain
  • Stooped posture
  • Impaired balance
  • Loss of unconscious movements, such as smiling, blinking, or swinging your arms when you walk
  • Slurred, soft, or hesitant speech
  • Changes to writing and other fine motor skills

Parkinson’s typically has five stages. It ranges from mild symptoms that don’t interfere much with day-to-day activities, to extremely debilitated

In the first two or three stages, the patient can more or less live independently, but their daily activities will become more and more taxing. By Stage Four, symptoms are much more severe, and walking becomes very difficult. In Stage Five, the the patient is usually bed-ridden and in need of care around the clock.

Parkinson’s also comes with many complications, most of which are treatable. These include:

  • Cognitive problems and thinking difficulties
  • Depression and/or anxiety
  • Difficulty chewing and/or swallowing
  • Sleep disorders
  • Incontinence or difficulty urinating
  • Constipation

Parkinson’s Risk Factors

The disease is caused by a breakdown or death of certain nerve cells in the brain. The exact reason for the damage to these neurons is unknown, but the older you are, the more likely it is to happen.

That’s why age is the main risk factor for Parkinson’s. It usually develops in middle to late life, with most cases occurring at age 60 or older.

Other risk factors are having a close family member with Parkinson’s, although the chance of developing it is still small unless many family members have the disease. Men are also more likely to develop the disease.

Some evidence exists that ongoing exposure to herbicides and pesticides may slightly increase the risk of Parkinson’s. If you’ve been a gardener for many years, you may want to talk to your doctor about any possible increased risk.

Parkinson’s Treatment

There are no specific diagnostic tests to diagnose the disease. When you come to your doctor with your symptoms, he will review your medical history, new symptoms, and do a neurological and physical exam.

He may conduct lab and imaging tests to rule out other conditions, a process that can a long time.

While there is no cure for Parkinson’s, there are medications to control symptoms, often with great effect. Some lifestyle changes, such as incorporating aerobic exercises into your daily routine. Physical therapy can also help.

When Was Your Last Mammogram?

Posted on by Judah

Breast cancer is an ongoing health concern for American women. About 1 in 8 women will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime, and it kills women at a higher rate than any other cancer besides lung cancer.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

One of the main risk factors for breast cancer is age, so we at Regency Nursing are committed to raising awareness of breast cancer among our residents and families.

The current screening recommendation for women with no history of cancer is to receive a mammogram every 1–2 years from the age of 40 or 50 until around 75.

A mammogram is an x-ray picture of the breast, used to detect early signs of breast cancer. Having an annual mammogram is one of the best ways to find breast cancer early, before it spreads to other areas of the body.

Most private insurances cover annual mammogram screenings, and Medicare offers an annual mammogram at no cost from age 40 and up.

The exact screening recommendations are contested, though. About 10 years ago, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) updated their recommendation. They now say women don’t need to start receiving mammograms until age 50, and even then they only need one every other year. The American Cancer Society and other advocacy groups disagree, however, and maintain that most women should start at age 40 and undergo the screening annually.

After age 75, the picture is much more fuzzy. That’s because hardly any credible research has been done on breast cancer survival rates on women over that age. USPSTF says the risks of mammogram outweigh the benefits once you reach advanced old age, and they recommend stopping the routine screening after age 75.

However, a 2014 study of elderly women found that mammography resulted in longer life-expectancy and better outcomes for that age group.

So should you get a mammogram this year?

The answer depends on many factors: your age, your general health, whether you have a previous history of breast or other cancers, whether you have a family history of female cancers, and whether you had a mammogram last year.

Ask your doctor to share the most recent breast cancer research with you, and discuss whether annual mammograms are right for you.

 

10 Warning Signs of Dementia

Posted on by Judah

The risk of developing dementia goes up for every year we live. Humans are living longer than ever before, which naturally means more and more people develop dementia every year.

Alzheimer’s disease is a specific subset of dementia, but there are many different variations of this umbrella disease characterized by progressive memory disorder, personality change, and impaired reason.

But how do you differentiate between normal aging and dementia? Is Mom’s forgetting to turn off the stove a memory lapse or a sign of something more serious? If I forgot to pay a bill on time, should I be worried?

There is no straightforward way to tell the difference between dementia and normal aging. The best way is to monitor your behavior or that of a loved one. Everyone has off-days. But if a behavior has become a disturbing trend, it’s time to visit a neurologist.

Here are 10 warning signs to look out for:

  1. Memory Loss: by far the most common and well-known symptom. Forgetting names, dates, appointments, and other items is a frightening and disorienting experience. If it happens every now and then, you probably just need more sleep. But if happens all the time—or you’re forgetting significant details like your spouse’s first name—it’s probably more serious.
  2. Difficulty with familiar tasks: when cooking, doing laundry, or using the telephone becomes difficult and hard to follow.
  3. Communication difficulties: your loved one forgets everyday words and phrases, and his or her writing is much harder to decipher.
  4. Confusion: this is especially so for time and place. When a senior gets lost on their own street, or forget where they are, it’s a serious sign of dementia.
  5. Poor judgement: dressing inappropriately for the weather, buying things they don’t need, or doing unsafe things like putting foil in the microwave can all mean dementia has taken hold of their judgement.
  6. Difficulty with abstract thinking: finding math problems harder than before can be a sign of dementia.
  7. Difficulty with spatial relationships: difficulty reading, judging distance, and determining color can all mean Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia.
  8. Misplacing things: inability to retrace steps. When you lose something, you’re usually able to retrace your steps and find it. When you notice you can’t do that anymore, or you’re putting things in weird places, it may be a sign of dementia.
  9. Mood changes: mood swings, increased anger, and unprovoked aggression are all common dementia symptoms.
  10. Withdrawal: skipping events, sleeping more, or neglecting oneself can all be signs of dementia. When someone is going through early dementia, they may feel frightened and unsure of themselves, so they’ll withdraw from the world.

If you notice your loved one has stopped participating in his or her own life, find out why. Dementia may be the reason.