If your family is concerned about an aging relative who is frequently forgetful or increasingly appears confused, you may want to accompany him or her on a visit to their primary care doctor to determine whether it may be the onset of dementia or Alzheimer’s. The subject needs to be approached delicately because the suggestion that someone isn’t as mentally sharp as they used to be may provoke a defensive response as they either fail to recognize their symptoms or react with denial.
Kenny Higdon, owner of 5 Star Home Care, suggested a couple of ways the process of getting Alzheimer’s diagnosed and treated can happen without unpleasant confrontations. His locally owned and operated company has helped many clients evaluate their home care needs and suggests services that help relieve the strain for families during difficult times.
“The visit to the doctor may go more smoothly if your mother or father are told that they are probably correct that there’s nothing wrong, but they should get a check-up just to be sure,” Higdon said.
This frames the conversation in terms of preventative health care rather than sounding accusatory, which will naturally provoke a defensive posture.
The primary care doctor may refer a neurologist after examining the senior if he or she detects symptoms such as confusion, irritability, aggression, mood swings, trouble with language, and long-term memory loss.