Diabetes is a common problem for aging adults, especially if they have multiple risk factors for developing the condition. Seniors with dementia can still deal with other health issues, but the symptoms might not be as obvious for family caregivers to recognize. Learning the symptoms of diabetes helps family caregivers feel more prepared. Alzheimer’s home care providers can help with this and other concerns related to assisting seniors with dementia.
Increased Thirst
One of the most common symptoms of diabetes is increased thirst. People with diabetes often feel as if they just can’t get enough water or other fluids. Seniors with dementia may not be able to express their need for more fluids. They may have trouble expressing this need, just as they might with other basic needs.
Paying attention to fluid intake can help Alzheimer’s home care and family caregivers notice changes.
Increased Urination
Along with increased fluid intake comes increased urination. Seniors with dementia may have more trouble getting to the bathroom on time. If they’re already successfully using a bathroom schedule, that schedule might suddenly no longer work for them.
Alzheimer’s home care providers can help them revamp that schedule or be more consistent with bathroom reminders.
Unintended Weight Loss
Sometimes people with diabetes lose weight without trying to do so. This happens because the cells in the body don’t get the glucose that they need. Without that fuel, the body starts burning both fat and muscle more rapidly, which translates to unintended weight loss.
This is also when organ systems can suffer, particularly when the kidneys are forced to work overtime to process excess sugar in the bloodstream.
Increased Fatigue
These changes are exhausting, and seniors with diabetes may start to feel extremely tired and not understand why. For seniors with dementia, that fatigue can be disorienting and interfere with the routines that help them feel secure.
Fatigue also affects cognitive functioning and memory, which makes the difficulties they experience because of dementia even more complicated.
Sudden Vision Changes
Blood sugar changes also affect vision. That’s because high blood sugar levels damage the small blood vessels in the eye. This damage can also cause blood vessels to leak fluid and blood, blurring vision. Diabetic retinopathy occurs when blood vessels in the retina are damaged.
Alzheimer’s home care providers can help seniors cope with unexpected changes in their vision, making sure they have assistance with mobility and other issues they might encounter because of those vision changes.
Numbness or Pain in Extremities
Another common issue for seniors with diabetes is that they experience numbness or pain in their extremities. This is uncomfortable, but it can also make walking difficult or dangerous, causing a tripping hazard. Seniors with dementia may not be able to describe what they’re feeling, so family caregivers may have to notice changes in behavior.
Alzheimer’s home care providers can help them stay aware of these changes.
It’s difficult enough to help seniors manage a complicated health issue like diabetes, but then add in the complications of dementia, and the task just gets tougher. Alzheimer’s home care providers can help not only with dementia symptoms, but also with overall care needs.
If you or an aging loved one is considering Alzheimer’s Home Care in Paradise Valley, AZ, please contact the caring staff at Home Care Resources today. Call (602) 443-4700
Home Care Resources is a top provider of home care services in Phoenix, Tempe, Scottsdale, Glendale, Paradise Valley, Peoria, Sun City, Sun City West, Surprise, Goodyear, Cave Creek, Care Free, Fountain Hills, and surrounding areas.
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