Spotting Onset of Dementia among Seniors

While dementia can affect individuals at any age, seniors over the age of 65 are the most susceptible to it [1]. It is not a normal part of ageing, but the risk increases significantly with age.   

Dementia is a progressive condition characterised by a decline in intellectual abilities such as remembering, thinking, and reasoning, which can affect one’s daily functioning. Recongising the signs of dementia and seeking treatment early are crucial for managing the symptoms and slowing the progression of the condition.   

SIGNS OF THE ONSET OF DEMENTIA AMONG SENIORS   

Memory loss: This is one of the most recognisable early indicators of dementia. This could come up in the form of forgetting learnt information, important details, or starting to repeat questions during conversations. 

Communication challenges: Seniors with dementia may struggle to keep up with conversations, frequently pause mid-sentence, or find it difficult to articulate their thoughts and find the right words.  

Disoriented about place and time: They may lose track of time, forget the day of the week, become confused or even get lost in their neighbourhoods, needing to rely on visual cues to find their way home.  

Difficulty doing activities of daily routine: Familiar tasks in their daily routine can suddenly become difficult to follow. You may also notice that they start exercising poor judgment when making decisions, neglecting personal hygiene, and misplacing everyday items in unusual places.  

Changes in mood or behaviour: A notable sign is when the senior stops doing what they once enjoyed doing, or displays sudden confusion, anxiety, irritability as they cope with the changes to their lifestyle and health.  

SUPPORTING SENIORS GOING THROUGH DEMENTIA  

Build a system: For seniors dealing with memory loss and managing daily tasks, having a simple, structured system makes a difference, especially when it comes to taking their medications consistently.  

Help them out: Come up with to-do-lists with them for upcoming appointments and events in a format they are comfortable and accustomed to. Use visual aids and keep all information in a consistent, visible spot so they can refer to them easily.   

Be respectful and gentle with them: They might need reminders every now and then on their daily tasks and appointments. Try to offer your support with patience. If you need to assist them with bathing or getting dressed, explain what you are doing beforehand to keep them at ease.   

Ensure their safety: As much as possible, accompany them if they need to step out of the house. If you’re not able to, consider encouraging them to wear an ID lanyard with their name and emergency contact details or a tracking device in case they get disoriented.  

Seek help from CREST: If you know someone who is going through or may be at risk of having dementia, please know that help is available. The Community Outreach Team (CREST) is here to bridge the gap by offering early support, building trust, and gently guiding individuals and their families towards the help they need. CREST provides mental health support for residents aged 18 years old and above. Through CREST, people with dementia and/or mental health conditions will be able to seek early treatment closer to home, ensuring both they and their caregivers are supported throughout their mental wellness journey. To learn more, you may email crest@touch.org.sg.

Connect with an Active Ageing Centre (AAC): You can also encourage your elderly loved ones to join an AAC near their home to benefit from a structured system that might help slow down cognitive decline and enhance mental well-being. At TOUCH’s AACs, seniors and their caregivers can learn dementia knowledge and caregiving skills while using memory games and picture cards to stimulate mental agility. For seniors living alone, attending activities at AACs also allows them to forge meaningful friendships with their peers, which can help with their overall well-being. Additionally, if our AAC staff do notice any signs or symptoms of dementia, they will work closely with the senior and their next-of-kin to provide the necessary support. Click here to find out more about TOUCH’s AAC programmes.  

 
TOUCH Active Ageing (TAA) empowers seniors to lead fulfilling lives as they learn to stay physically active and socially connected. We believe that every senior - regardless of their age, ability or physical status - can be equipped as a resource to help others.          

Sources 
1. “Warning signs of Dementia”, Healthub, 15 Nov. 2022,  https://www.healthhub.sg/well-being-and-lifestyle/mental-wellness/warningsignsof_dementia