Identifying the Differences Between Normal and Abnormal Cognition Changes

Whether you’re a caregiver to your aging parents or not, monitoring their health is important. Natural changes occur in everyone as they get older, but it doesn’t necessarily mean a cognitive disability is developing. The most challenging part is identifying what a normal part of aging is and an abnormal change.  Being aware of the changes is the best way to help you identify the differences between normal and abnormal cognition changes. Here are some things to keep in mind as a caregiver.

Warning Signs To Look Out For

Some of the changes your senior loved one experiences might be sudden. Common warning signs that might signify larger issues are in play include:

• Inability to recall events that occurred within the last few days
• Losing interest in hobbies or interacting with others
• Rapid weight gain or lose
• Trouble remembering taking medication, showering, eating, or other routine tasks
• Changes in personality

It’s important for a caregiver to monitor these signs and take action when needed. The earlier the signs are brought to the attention of a medical professional, the better the chances are that the symptoms can be reversed.

Ask About Sleep, Exercise, And Diet

 A lack of sleep, exercise, and a poor diet could be some of the warning signs. These are incredibly important factors to a person’s cognitive health and could be simple solutions to reverse the negative effects. Ask your aging parents if they have been sleeping well or if they wake up multiple times each night. Also, ask them questions about their diet and if they need any assistance preparing healthier food options. Many seniors often neglect exercising because of the fear of falling or experiencing pain. Regardless of the situation, an important part of senior living is having a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and sleeping well, so those aspects need to be prioritized so it won’t lead to cognitive decline.

Steps To Take If You Have A Serious Concern

Whether you’re providing primary senior care to an aging parent or not, take the necessary steps to get them help when needed. Confronting a parent isn’t always easy, but it could be necessary for their short-term and long-term health. You can help by taking them to a doctor’s appointment to get evaluated and keeping in close contact with them. Open lines of communication are essential, and those lines of communication have to work both ways to be effective.

Next Day Access is here to help you provide the most effective senior care possible for your aging parents. Feel free to contact us at any time if you need assistance with home modifications for your senior loved one.