How can I tell if my wife has dementia?

Know the signs of dementia

being vague in everyday conversations.
memory loss that affects day-to-day function.
short term memory loss.
difficulty performing everyday tasks and taking longer to do routine tasks.
losing enthusiasm or interest in regular activities.
difficulties in thinking or saying the right words.

What is the clock test for dementia?

The clock-drawing test is a simple tool that is used to screen people for signs of neurological problems, such as Alzheimer’s and other dementias. It is often used in combination with other, more thorough screening tests, but even when used by itself, it can provide helpful insight into a person’s cognitive ability.

Do dementia patients know they have dementia?

Alzheimer’s disease progressively destroys brain cells over time, so during the early stages of dementia, many do recognize something is wrong, but not everyone is aware. They may know they are supposed to recognize you, but they can’t.

What does the beginning of dementia feel like?

A person with dementia feels confused more and more often. When they can’t make sense of the world or get something wrong, they may feel frustrated and angry with themselves. They may become angry or upset with other people very easily. They might not be able to say why.

What is Binswanger’s disease?

Binswanger’s disease (BD), also called subcortical vascular dementia, is a type of dementia caused by widespread, microscopic areas of damage to the deep layers of white matter in the brain.

Can a person with dementia sign a contract?

The progressive nature of dementia, combined with the purpose of each document, can result in a person incapacitated for one document, but not another. However, for these types of documents, as opposed to a business contract, there is a relatively low level of capacity required.

Can a person with dementia sign a durable power of attorney?

Dementia and the Durable Power of Attorney The Durable Power of Attorney allows one to appoint a person or firm to act as his or her agent in financial matters. In the case of a person diagnosed with dementia, the power should become effective upon signing.

Can a dementia patient sign a legal document?

It is possible that a dementia patient will reach the stage where they cannot understand the nature of their condition and the acceptability of treatment being offered. Therefore, it is very important that a document be written which states the conditions and treatment they find to be unacceptable.

Can a mild memory decline be a sign of dementia?

Oftentimes, this mild decline in memory is merely normal age-related cognitive decline, but it can also be one of the earliest signs of degenerative dementia. At this stage, signs are still virtually undetectable through clinical testing. Concern for early onset of dementia should arise with respect to other symptoms.

Can a person with dementia change their handwriting?

In some cases, people with dementia sometimes display changes in handwriting. While their handwriting may have once been large, those with dementia often adopt a smaller, more cramped style of handwriting. This warning sign is common with individuals who have dementia with Lewy bodies, or Lewy Body Dementia (LBD).

When to name a successor to a spouse with dementia?

It is customary for an individual to name a successor or backup agent who can take over if the first named agent is unavailable. For example, your spouse, who has named you as primary agent and a sister as successor, has a debilitating stroke and you can’t answer your cell when the hospital calls; in this case, the hospital will call the sister.

Can a person with dementia still have a power of attorney?

In this scenario, the person with dementia is still able to make sound decisions, but hasn’t done any estate planning or has refused to set up any powers of attorney or co-owned financial accounts. “At this point,” says Anderson, “the person is still entitled to make decisions on their own regarding finances and health care.

When to worry about a family member with dementia?

When your spouse or other family member exhibits symptoms and is diagnosed with dementia, like Alzheimer’s Disease or Vascular Dementia, it is scary and overwhelming. There are so many questions, and the last thing you probably want to worry about is the array of legal issues to consider.