How to Navigate the Sudden Worsening of Dementia Symptoms

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It’s hard to watch someone you love change. Dementia can reshape a person’s life and the lives of those around them.

This condition isn’t just about forgetting names or misplacing items. It’s a complex shift in how someone thinks, remembers, and interacts.

For families and caregivers, it’s essential to know what to expect and how to respond. This guide will help you understand the journey of dementia and be better prepared for when dementia symptoms worsen.

Understanding Dementia’s Unpredictable Timeline

Dementia often sneaks up slowly. At first, it’s the small moments — a forgotten birthday or a misplaced key. But as time moves on, these moments can become more frequent and noticeable.

While dementia often progresses gradually, it’s different for everyone. Some people might stay in one stage for years, while others might move more quickly through the stages.

It’s like reading different books where the chapters vary in length. The story is similar, but the pace changes.

Being ready for these unpredictable shifts will help you and your loved one manage the journey ahead.

Types of Dementia & Their Symptoms

Dementia isn’t just one single illness. It’s a group of conditions that affect memory, thinking, and social abilities. Let’s look at a few types:

  • Alzheimer’s Disease: People with Alzheimer’s might forget recent events or conversations. Over time, they could have trouble with tasks like planning or solving problems.
  • Vascular Dementia: This type of dementia is often caused by reduced blood flow to the brain. Someone with vascular dementia might experience confusion, difficulty concentrating, or trouble speaking.
  • Lewy Body Dementia: Tiny protein deposits in the brain lead to this form of dementia. It causes trouble with attention and may lead to seeing things that aren’t there.
  • Frontotemporal Dementia: This type of dementia affects the front and sides of the brain. Personality and behavior changes are big signs. Someone might act differently or seem less caring than before.

Recognizing these types of dementia and their unique signs is vital. Each type of dementia needs a different care approach. Knowing the symptoms helps you understand what your loved one is going through.

Signs of Worsening Dementia Symptoms

As dementia moves along, the signs become more clear. Here are some signs that might indicate that dementia is getting worse.

More Memory Loss

Maybe it’s your loved one forgetting names or faces they once knew, or not knowing today’s date. They may also frequently lose or misplace items.

Confusion

Places, people, and time might get mixed up. Morning can feel like evening, or home might seem unfamiliar. They’ll become disoriented and confused on a more consistent basis.

Mood Changes

Quick mood swings can occur. Someone might be happy one moment and sad the next. It may also lead to more prominent emotions such as depression or anger.

Trouble Speaking

Finding the right words gets harder for people with worsening dementia. They might use the wrong words or not speak at all.

Less Motivation

Things they loved, like hobbies, might not matter anymore. They might sit for hours and not want to move. Their desire to interact with others may become less frequent as well.

Potential Contributors to Sudden Worsening of Symptoms

Sometimes, dementia symptoms jump ahead quickly. There are a handful of reasons that  symptoms can worsen.

Infections like UTIs and other medical issues can make dementia signs stronger, as well as pain or other health problems.

New medicines or changes to old ones might affect the brain. It’s important to be mindful when doctors suggest making changes to their medications.

A move or even a change in routine can be unsettling for people with dementia. It can be disorienting when their environment is moved around.

Stress, anxiety, or depression can also make dementia worse as it negatively impacts the brain.

What to Do When Symptoms Get Worse

It’s hard seeing someone you care about struggle. But there are some things you can do to help them.

  • See a Doctor: A doctor can check for health problems or medicine issues that might be making things worse.
  • Stay Calm: Your loved one can feel your emotions. If you’re calm, it can help them stay calm too.
  • Routine Helps: Keeping a regular routine can make the world feel safer and less confusing.
  • Safe Space: Make sure your loved one’s space is safe. Remove tripping hazards and use safety measures.
  • Seek Support: Don’t go it alone. Join a support group or get help from professionals who understand dementia.

Get Help with Worsening Dementia Symptoms

If your loved one’s dementia symptoms are getting worse, it may be time to consider working with an in home care team. Get in touch with Endeavor In Home Care today and see how we can help you.