March 11, 2024

Alzheimer's Disease and Problem Solving in Oakbrook, IL

Dealing with Dementia and Problem-Solving Issues

It was a typical day for Jack—he was headed to his mother Mary's house to help her with meal prep for the week. As she's gotten older, cooking healthy meals has become too difficult to do alone. But when Jack arrives, he finds a stranger seated on the couch next to his mother. The man insists he's a representative from the state health department but can't verify any credentials. Jack doesn't recall getting a call from the health department, so he demands the man leave. With the stranger gone, Jack files a police report. But even though the situation has been handled, Jack can't help but feel upset and frightened that his mother couldn't recognize a scammer. Five years ago, this never would have happened.

What Is Vascular Dementia?

Jack confides in his sister, Carla, after the incident. They both help take care of Mom and have been noticing signs of dementia. They talk to a doctor friend and learn that issues with problem-solving, like those their mother is having, can indicate vascular dementia. This condition has many symptoms that overlap with Alzheimer's disease, but unlike Alzheimer's, the most significant sign has to do with the speed of thinking and ability to make sound judgments.

How Dementia Can Affect Judgment

Jack and Carla decide to delve deeper into the ways dementia affects judgment. They find that judgment issues can range from things like choosing the wrong clothes for the weather to making dangerous decisions while driving. With this in mind, the siblings pay closer attention to their mother's decision-making patterns. They take a more active role in her budgeting and make sure one of them is around during mealtimes. Jack and Carla also implement these strategies to manage the symptom:

Have Mom play brain games to keep challenging her cognitive ability
Prioritize activities Mom already enjoys
Talk to doctors about Mom's new limits and realistic ways to improve her condition
Request personal care services from trained professionals

Am I at Risk for Dementia and Alzheimer's?

Their research into vascular dementia has gotten Jack and Carla interested in learning more about the types of dementia and what increases the risk of developing the condition. They note these risk factors and resolve to monitor their mother a lot more closely:

Age—the risk of dementia rises after age 65 and again at 90
A history of heart attack or stroke
Obesity
Diabetes
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Smoking

Work with the Caregivers at BrightStar Care

Although he was very upset about the incident with the scammer, he's glad it gave him insight into his mother's condition. Now he knows how to better manage her dementia and plans to reach out to his local Oakbrook, IL BrightStar Care. Our professionals help family caregivers handle the symptoms of dementia and improve the quality of life for everyone involved. Contact us today to learn more about in-home care for dementia and Alzheimer's patients.