If you see a sudden decline in dementia in someone you love, take action right away.
Wouldn’t it be helpful if there was an Alzheimer’s care manual, with step-by-step details on what to expect at each and every stage of the disease? While there are a few general commonalities during the progression of dementia, each person’s experience is unique. This makes it difficult to know what to expect on any given day.
Even with the unpredictability of Alzheimer’s disease, there are particular situations that are beyond the typical array of expectations to watch for. For example, dementia typically progresses slowly and steadily, so a sudden decline in dementia is cause for concern. This might occur for a plethora of reasons:
- An underlying illness such as cancer or prion disease
- Disruption to normal routine from a move, change in caregivers, hospitalization, etc.
- Sundowning
- Stroke or a brain injury, such as from a fall
- Delirium, caused by an infection, hospital stay or surgery, medication side effects, lack of sleep, dehydration, or even constipation
What Are the Typical Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease?
Alzheimer’s disease is progressive, and as of now, incurable. Therefore, a decline in condition is to be expected. An abrupt shift in the person’s condition, however, is atypical. In general, the condition progresses through the following stages:
- Early: The initial detectable signs of Alzheimer’s are usually very mild, including short-term memory lapses, forgetting a word, or getting lost.
- Middle: In the middle stage of the disease, cognitive difficulties progress to the point that the person struggles with independently performing activities of daily living.
- Late: The last stage of Alzheimer’s, which can take years to reach, involves a lack of response and recognition of both people and the environment, as the body begins to shut down.
If You Observe a Sudden Decline in Dementia…
Seek medical help right away if a rapid decline is noted so that the cause can be pinpointed and addressed.
A dementia care journal is often a very helpful tool, before, during, and after worsening symptoms. Daily journaling can help you keep track of:
- Sleeping and eating habits
- What works and what doesn’t work in helping the person manage challenges
- Medications taken and any side effects detected
- Any challenging behaviors noted, with particulars on time of day and possible triggers or contributing circumstances
- The individual’s overall demeanor on any given day
These kinds of details will be invaluable in helping to piece together what might have caused an abrupt change in condition and how to remedy it.
Generations at Home’s caregivers are highly trained and skilled in caring for individuals with dementia and detecting any changes in condition. Contact us at 727-940-3414 and let us walk beside you on your dementia care journey with customized services in Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Gulfport, and nearby areas.
