Ever think you parents are “slipping” when it comes to day-to-day activities? – I surely have!

Posted   by Maureen Koelsch, May 6, 2010

When I refer to “slipping” I’m actually referring to early signs of dementia.  Dementia in Webster’s is defined as - impairment of the mental powers.
I recently went to a seminar hosted by the SS Hospital Home Health Care division and was enlightened to learn about how to look for the signs of dementia.   Dr Claire A. Levesque, MD of Quincy Medical Center spoke on the subject.  I was surprised to learn how easy they are to detect and possibly remedy.   So next time you visit your folks keep this is mind.
Their hearing could be off, and they don’t realize it, because they don’t know what their missing.  Secondly, their eyes may have changed and their glasses aren’t as strong as they need to be.  Medicines, and the combinations of them, or the lack of taking them could be affecting the body.  Herbal and natural homeopathic remedies and the mixing of them with prescribed medications could be a part of it.  And lastly, sleep deprivation causes you to lose focus and concentration, thereby affecting your memory.  
These factors coupled together could be making them depressed on top of everything.  Imagine walking around with all your senses impaired, you’d be in a fog and would not feel good about yourself either.    
So next time you visit the folks, and you start wondering if things have changed, do some simple checking of their senses, habits  and medications?  It makes pure sense.  Hope you find this helpful.