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What your house says about cognitive health.

In a recent Irish Times article, John O’Sullivan writes, “According to experts, one potential telltale sign of dementia-induced memory loss is the layout of a person’s home.”

It caught me by surprise — we’re all concerned about the increases in Alzheimer’s and dementia but I never considered how a house can be an early indicator of cognitive loss. I’ve seen issues while in someone’s home that could have been a red flag but I simply didn’t look at it that way.

So, what about the home can indicate age-related cognitive issues? The article mentions things like household items that are out of place — a tea kettle in the freezer, for example. It’s fairly obvious, but what else?

  1. Clutter and Disorganization: A cluttered and disorganized home may indicate difficulties in executive functioning – the ability to plan, organize, and complete tasks. Difficulty in maintaining orderliness may also be linked to memory problems and attention issues.
  2. Navigation Challenges: Can the individual easily navigate through the home? Difficulty in spatial orientation and wayfinding may point to changes in brain function, particularly in areas responsible for spatial awareness and memory.
  3. Safety Hazards: Take note of safety hazards or potential risks in the home. Forgetting to turn off appliances, leaving doors and windows unlocked, or neglecting to address tripping hazards can indicate lapses in judgment and decision-making – cognitive abilities that are crucial for maintaining independence and well-being as you age.
  4. Decline in Home Maintenance: Is the person neglecting routine household tasks that they once managed effortlessly? A decline in home maintenance, such as neglecting repairs, failing to pay bills on time, or letting essential services lapse, may signal cognitive impairment.
  5. Changes in Home Environment: Pay attention to any significant changes such as excessive hoarding, unconventional use of household items, or alterations to familiar spaces. These changes may reflect shifts in thinking, perception, or behavior associated with cognitive decline or neurological conditions.

It’s important to remember that occasional lapses in memory or organization are normal, especially as we age. However, if you notice persistent or significant changes in the layout and organization of the home, it’s essential to seek medical evaluation.

Early detection and intervention can help address cognitive issues and potentially slow the progression of cognitive decline.

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Do you know the difference between dementia and Alzheimer’s?

You’ve probably had it happen with a loved one – they’ve forgotten something that is obvious, or their forgetfulness is completely uncharacteristic. You immediately think, “is it the beginning of Alzheimer’s?”

More often than not, it’s simply a natural part of aging. It’s important to know and understand the difference — and be able to recognize the signs of Alzheimer’s as early as possible to ensure safety and hopefully slow the progression.

Recently, Atria Senior Living published a great article explaining the differences between dementia and Alzheimer’s, as well as the signs to look for.

(Published by Atria) Dementia is not a disease, but a broad term that refers to various conditions of more serious cognitive impairment. It is caused by damage to brain cells which can affect thinking, behavior and feelings. There are many types of dementia including Lewy body dementia, mixed dementia, vascular dementia, frontotemporal dementia and more.  Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia – accounting for 60–80% of dementia cases.

What we know about Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most prevalent health concerns among adults ages 65 and older and is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States. It is a degenerative disease resulting from brain cell damage where dementia symptoms gradually worsen over time.

Scientists are working hard to identify what causes this damage. They do know that, as this damage spreads, the brain cells lose their ability to function and then die. This causes irreversible changes in the brain that leads to memory failure, personality changes and problems carrying out daily activities. A person with Alzheimer’s lives four to eight years on average after diagnosis, but depending on other factors, can live as long as 20 years.

>>Read more.