 |
| Dignityfoundation |
Many
of us grew up believing that cognitive decline and memory loss is a normal part
of the aging process. Thus, if the decline is noticed in a loved one’s
functioning, we’re often willing to ignore it and consider the same as part of
aging. However, it’s not at all a part of aging process. How can you tell if cognitive
decline is more serious and may indicate the onset of dementia? Officially, dementia
requires that a person experience a significant decline in two of the five
areas of core mental functioning:
 |
| elderly day care centers |
- Memory
- Visual perception
- Reasoning and judgment
- Communication and language
- The ability to focus and pay attention
Slight
declines in any of these areas may be signs of normal aging, but the normal aging
process doesn’t involve a significant decline in any of these core areas. That
doesn’t mean that significant cognitive impairment always signals dementia;
these areas can be impacted by other health conditions as well. While cognitive
decline can be caused by other things and might actually be reversible;
dementia, which is a generally permanent and degenerative form of cognitive decline
is not a normal part of the aging process. Anyone who has noticed a decline in
cognitive functioning that is interfering with daily living should see a doctor
or try to determine the root cause of the impairment and explore available
treatments.
If
it is determined that your loved one is experiencing dementia, then you may be
wondering about elderly day care centers’ help. Many of us can provide in-home
care to them during evening hours but what about working hours. In that case,
the elderly day care centers can help significantly.
The
elderly day care centers can provide the backup you need to care for loved ones
experiencing a decline in cognitive functioning.
