Many seniors in the early stages of dementia try to hide their symptoms, and this concealment is often motivated by fear. To stave off the effects of dementia, it’s important for seniors to receive a diagnosis as early as possible. Here are a few reasons older adults try to hide their dementia symptoms, as well as the warning signs caregivers should watch out for.
Fear of Dementia Diagnosis
When seniors hide their dementia symptoms, it’s usually because they fear how their lives will change after the diagnosis. Some older adults may be afraid of forgetting people and places, while others fear losing their independence. Coming to terms with a dementia diagnosis may not be easy, and it’s understandable that seniors try to deny the early warning signs. Hiding the initial symptoms allows the disease time to progress and worsen, which is why you should be on the lookout for warning signs.
If your elderly loved one is living with a serious medical condition and needs help managing the tasks of daily living, reach out to Embrace In-Home Care, a Green Valley home care agency you can trust. Our caregivers are available 24/7, there are no hidden fees in our contracts, and we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all of our in-home care services.
Anosognosia
Dementia can impact the part of the brain responsible for self-awareness. Some older adults living with dementia are incapable of recognizing the condition, a phenomenon known as anosognosia. While anosognosia doesn’t affect all seniors with dementia, it could be the reason you’re unaware of your loved one’s symptoms.
Warning Signs of Dementia
Dementia isn’t always obvious at first, and seniors may be able to conceal their memory loss, spatial disorientation, and difficulty with communication. Avoidance is one of the first signs seniors are hiding something. Perhaps your loved one no longer wants to participate in hobbies and activities he or she previously enjoyed. Maybe your parent makes excuses every time he or she is invited to a family gathering.
Caring for seniors with serious health issues can be a challenging task. Families who find it difficult to care for their aging loved ones without assistance can benefit greatly from professional respite care. Green Valley, AZ, family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties can turn to Embrace In-Home Care. Using our proprietary Balanced Care Method, our respite caregivers can encourage your loved one to eat well, exercise regularly, get plenty of mental and social stimulation, and focus on other lifestyle factors that promote longevity.
Denial
As seniors start to have difficulty remembering names, following conversations, and retaining new information, they may avoid situations that could trigger their dementia symptoms. When asked what’s wrong, they’ll probably resort to denial.
Spousal Affection
When seniors start to exhibit dementia symptoms, they’re not always alone in their denial. If they’re married, their spouse may try to compensate for their memory lapses. If one parent is finishing the other’s sentences or making excuses for the strange behavior, his or her spouse might have undiagnosed dementia. Such behavior may be motivated by affection. However, if this behavior is allowed to persist, it could prevent your loved one from receiving proper medical treatment.
Older adults with dementia can benefit from professional in-home care. Families shouldn’t have to worry about finding reliable elderly care. Green Valley Embrace In-Home Care is a leading provider of elderly home care. We offer a proprietary program called the Balanced Care Method, which uses holistic methods to promote senior health, our caregivers and Care Managers are available 24/7, and all of our in-home care services are backed with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Call us at (520) 625-2050 to schedule a free in-home consultation.