Know the signs of age-related memory loss vs dementia this holiday season
Whether you want to save up, earn some extra cash to pay for your bills, or want something to keep you busy while taking care of a senior loved one, there is a wide range of gigs you can do to help you with this.
Experts advise that when looking for a side hustle as a caregiver, it's important that you find something that you enjoy doing. It shouldn't be a task, but more like a hobby. As caregivers, it's common that you always put a loved one's needs before your own, but, self-care is also as important. One should focus on their own needs, there's life outside caregiving.
Here are a couple of lucrative side hustles that'll help keep you busy and bring extra money to the table.
Signs of mild cognitive impairment
While there is no cure for MCI, there are steps one can take to slow its progression and maintain cognitive function.
These may include:
- Staying mentally active: Engaging in activities that challenge the brain, such as puzzles, games, and learning new skills, can help maintain cognitive function.
- Staying physically active: Regular physical activity has been shown to improve brain health and may help slow the progression of MCI.
- Eating a healthy diet: A balanced diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains can provide nutrients the brain needs to function properly.
- Managing chronic conditions: Conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes can contribute to overall health decline. It's important to manage these conditions to maintain physical health and brain function.
- Getting enough sleep: Sleep is important for maintaining cognitive function. Adults typically need 7-9 hours of sleep per night.
- Reducing stress: Chronic stress can have negative effects on the brain. Managing stress through techniques such as meditation, yoga, and exercise can help maintain cognitive function.
It's also important to have regular check-ups with a healthcare provider to monitor for any changes in cognitive function and address any underlying medical conditions.
Signs of dementia
In contrast, dementia is a serious condition that causes a more severe and progressive decline in cognitive abilities. This can include memory loss, difficulty with communication and language, and changes in mood and behavior. Dementia can also affect a person's ability to perform daily activities and make decisions.
While mild cognitive impairment can cause memory loss, the progression and severity of symptoms is typically different in dementia. Early detection and treatment can help improve quality of life and slow the progression of the condition.
Some early warning signs of dementia to watch out for during the holiday season include:
- Struggling to remember recently learned information or events
- Difficulty with familiar tasks, such as cooking or following a recipe
- Confusion about time and place
- Changes in mood or behavior, such as becoming more anxious or withdrawn
- Difficulty with communication and language, such as struggling to find the right words
If you notice any of these signs in a loved one, it's a good idea to have them evaluated by a healthcare provider. Dementia is a serious condition that can cause significant challenges for both the person with the condition and their caregivers. Early detection and treatment can help improve quality of life and slow the progression of the condition.
Another important aspect of managing dementia is providing support and assistance to the person with the condition. This can include helping them with daily tasks, providing a safe and familiar environment and encouraging them to stay engaged in activities they enjoy. During the holiday season, this may involve adapting traditions and activities to accommodate any changes in your loved one’s cognitive abilities.
There is currently no cure for dementia, but early detection and treatment can help improve quality of life and slow the progression of the condition. Treatment for dementia typically involves a combination of medication and supportive care.
Providing supportive care may include creating a safe and familiar environment, providing assistance with daily activities and encouraging the person with dementia to stay engaged in activities they enjoy.
It's also important for caregivers to take care of their own physical and mental health. Caring for a person with dementia can be emotionally and physically demanding, so it's important for caregivers to seek support and take time for themselves. This may include seeking help from other family members or joining a support group for caregivers. At Banyan Place, we offer short term stays for residents for when caregivers need to travel or find some respite.
Recognizing the signs of dementia and taking steps to support our loved ones can help ensure that everyone has a happy and enjoyable holiday season.
If you need assisted living support for your loved one or even just some respite as a caretaker, let’s talk.
