Are There Medical Issues That Are Mistaken for Dementia?

Sometimes seniors experience symptoms that worry them, like memory issues, trouble focusing, or confusion. They may even fear that these symptoms mean that they’re developing cognitive illnesses like dementia. The truth could be far different, however, which can be a huge relief. Whether seniors really are dealing with dementia or some of these other health issues, 24-hour home care providers can offer assistance that helps them remain as healthy as possible.

Untreated Infections

When seniors experience infections that they don’t treat right away, some of the symptoms can include ones that people with dementia also experience. That’s because the change in the number of white blood cells active in the body can cause chemical changes in the brain that leave seniors feeling confused or delirious. Respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, and other systemic infections can cause similar reactions for seniors. Experienced home care providers may recognize these signs and recommend seniors talk to their doctors right away.

Medication Issues

Medications have a surprising number of side effects and possible interactions, especially as seniors grow older. This can even happen if seniors have taken those medications for a long time. Body chemistry changes and new medications or even small changes in dosage or manufacturer can cause seniors to experience memory issues and other symptoms that can be mistaken for dementia.

Sleep Issues

Lack of sleep or trouble sleeping are massive problems for seniors as they age. That’s because sleep issues contribute to symptoms that look a lot like dementia. If seniors are having more trouble getting quality sleep, 24-hour home care providers can help them to address possible contributing factors. Adjusting sleep hygiene a bit by making changes like eating earlier and making sure that the bedroom supports quality sleep helps.

Dehydration

Seniors are particularly at risk of symptoms that appear the same as dementia when they’re not properly hydrated. As seniors grow older, they have more trouble regulating fluid levels in their bodies. Their senses of thirst also diminish, meaning that their bodies don’t prompt them to drink water as often as they likely should. 24-hour home care providers can help seniors figure out a plan for increasing daily hydration.

Vitamin and Nutrient Deficiencies

In some cases, seniors might not be getting enough of the vitamins or minerals that they need. Electrolyte imbalances, vitamin deficiencies, and other nutrient deficiencies cause confusing symptoms that seem like they’re indicating dementia. The good news is that many of these deficiencies are easy to correct with the help of medical providers, so seeing their doctors right away can help seniors recover more quickly.

Health and symptoms often get a lot trickier for seniors as they grow older. It helps tremendously for them to have 24-hour home care providers available to make sure they get medical care when they need it. Around-the-clock caregivers can also watch out for some of these symptoms, helping seniors to get help more quickly than they might have otherwise. Responding quickly minimizes the time seniors spend feeling out of sorts.

If you or an aging loved one are considering 24-hour home care in New Rochelle, NY, please contact the caring staff at Griswold Home Care for Scarsdale & Yonkers today. (914) 337-5028.