These Early Dementia Signs Might Mean Dementia for Loved One

Over 50 million people worldwide live with dementia, and this number is growing dramatically as the world gets older. In the United States, the number is over 6.2 million people. Over 747,000 Canadians are living with Alzheimer's or another dementia. In the United Kingdom, 850,000 people live with dementia, and an estimated 472,000 Australians are as well.

Dementia Affects Families Emotionally and Financially

Dementia is a real problem and affects families emotionally and financially. Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia, and there is no cure and no effective treatment. Most people afflicted with cognitive impairment require supervision and long-term health care.

However, an early diagnosis can help slow the progression and provide a better quality of life for the individual and their family. Loved ones must be open to the signs of dementia and get them to a doctor for testing and proper care.

Don't Ignore the Signs

There are some things that are signs of dementia that we might ignore. For example, a 2017 study published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry showed that those with early-onset dementia lost some of their sense of humor and no longer found jokes funny. 

Forgetting our keys, struggling to find a word in conversation, and getting lost in a familiar location are also signs. However, symptoms could also be from other health issues unrelated to dementia that are treatable. Therefore, it is essential to take your loved one to see their doctor if you observe some of these signs. 

Read this story about common signs of early dementia - The four hidden signs of dementia to look out for in your loved ones (nypost.com)

You Can Avoid the Family Crisis

Too often, families fail to think about aging and changing health until a crisis happens. At the point of a crisis, it is usually too late to plan. If you are doing retirement planning, you should consider including a plan for the future costs and burdens of aging. For many families, affordable Long-Term Care Insurance is the solution.

Keep in mind that traditional health insurance, including Medicare and supplements, will only pay a small amount of skilled long-term care. It leaves the majority of the expensive your responsibility. Medicaid will pay for long-term health care with Medicaid-approved providers, but only if you have little or no income and assets.

Care Costs Rising Sharply

Since the cost of long-term health care services (including dementia supervision) is getting more expensive due to rising demand and higher labor costs, the financial impact is tremendous. 

For example, in Reading, Pennsylvania, the monthly cost of in-home care (based on a 44 hour week) averages about $4400 a month. But, in 25 years, that same amount of in-home care will average around $9700 a month - Pennsylvania Long-Term Care Resources | LTC News.

The cost of care will vary depending on where you live. Compare Reading, PA, with Lake Charles, Louisiana. In Lake Charles, LA, the current average cost of care at home runs over $3200 a month, but in 25 years, that same care will average about $7200 a month - Louisiana Long-Term Care Resources | LTC News.

While the cost is less in Louisiana, it can still be devastating to your family and finances. Don't forget the cost of other forms of care like adult day care centers, assisted living facilities, memory care facilities, and nursing homes. 

Do You Own LTC Insurance?

Experts suggest obtaining Long-Term Care Insurance coverage when you are in your 40s or 50s when you still enjoy good health and premiums are very affordable. Seek help from a specialist - Work With a Specialist | LTC News.

If your loved one's health is declining, and you are looking for care now, read the LTC NEWS Guide to in-home care - Finding Quality In-Home Care | LTC News.

Don't allow your family to be burdened. Be prepared.