Here at IntegraCare, we understand that talking openly about dementia or Alzheimer’s can be emotionally challenging, especially when it involves someone close, like your mom or dad. These brain diseases can affect memory, communication, and the ability to perform everyday tasks, often leading to significant changes in behavior, making it difficult for loved ones to cope.
If you’re navigating this journey, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed. However, recognizing the early signs of dementia can help you respond with compassion and ensure your loved one receives the care and support they need.
What are the early signs of dementia or Alzheimer’s?
Dementia or Alzheimer’s don’t look the same for everyone, but there are common early signs to watch for. If you notice any of these symptoms in a loved one, it’s important to schedule an appointment with the doctor for proper evaluation.
● Memory loss
● Difficulty with familiar tasks
● Confusion with time and/or place
● Mood swings
● Struggles following a conversation
● Social isolation
● Misplacing things
● Poor judgment
Memory loss
While it’s normal to occasionally forget things, frequent memory lapses, like missing appointments, important dates, or even the names of close family members, can be a red flag.
For example, you might notice your mom forgetting recent conversations or relying heavily on reminders and notes. These memory gaps often go beyond typical age-related forgetfulness and can disrupt daily life. If these moments become more frequent or severe, it is important to take them seriously.
Difficulty with familiar tasks
Imagine what it would feel like to suddenly find yourself unsure how to use the coffee maker you’ve used for years. Unfortunately, this experience is all too real for those coping with dementia or Alzheimer’s.
If your parent suddenly stops doing an activity they love, it could be a sign that they need support.
Confusion with time and/or place
Another red flag to watch for is when your dad or mom appears disoriented about how they got to a particular place or what time it is. This kind of confusion can be unsettling and may indicate cognitive decline.
Mood swings
Watching a parent who was once cheerful become irritable, anxious, or withdrawn can be heartbreaking. These emotional changes may hint at something deeper than just a passing phase. For instance, your mom might snap over minor frustrations, grow unusually suspicious of others, or struggle to understand lighthearted jokes, leading to tense moments.
These shifts in mood and behavior can be a sign that your loved one is grappling with confusion and frustration, and it’s a sign of cognitive decline.
Struggles following a conversation
Another sign is noticing your loved one is having difficulty keeping up with conversations. They might lose their train of thought mid-sentence, frequently repeat themselves, or struggle to find the right words. This can lead to frustration for both them and those around them as communication becomes more challenging.
Social isolation
If your parent is withdrawing from social activities they once enjoyed, it could be a sign they’re feeling overwhelmed or self-conscious about their cognitive changes.
They might avoid family gatherings, connect with friends, or stop participating in hobbies. This isolation can stem from embarrassment about memory lapses or difficulty following conversations.
Misplacing things
People suffering from dementia can start misplacing items in the most unexpected places, like leaving their phone in the freezer or their wallet in the laundry basket.
This behavior often goes beyond simple forgetfulness and may involve difficulty retracing steps or remembering where things belong.
Poor judgment
In the early stages of dementia, it’s not unusual for someone to begin making decisions that seem out of character or ill-advised. For example, your loved one might start spending money impulsively, buying things they don’t need, or neglecting important responsibilities like paying bills or managing their finances. They might also make choices that seem risky or out of touch with their usual habits, such as wearing inappropriate clothing for the weather or forgetting to lock doors.
What age does dementia usually start?
Dementia is more common in older adults, with most cases diagnosed in individuals over 65. However, early-onset dementia can occur in people as young as their 30s or 40s.
If you’re noticing signs and you suspect your mom or dad has dementia, it’s important to seek medical advice promptly.
When should someone with dementia go into assisted living?
Taking care of someone with dementia at home can become overwhelming, even for the most dedicated families. There may come a point when the level of care needed exceeds what can be provided at home.
Here are some indicators that it might be time to consider a memory care community:
● Safety risks. If your loved one is at risk of wandering, forgetting to turn off appliances, or experiencing frequent falls.
● Declining health. Their health is quickly deteriorating due to a lack of attention and hygiene or specific nutritional needs.
● Caregiver burnout. Taking care of them at home has become physically or emotionally overwhelming for family members.
What to look for in a Memory Care Facility
If you and your family have decided to look for a Memory Care community, these are the key factors you should evaluate:
● Trained staff. Make sure the caregivers have experience handling dementia and Alzheimer’s patients and that they’re available 24/7
● Safe and adequate environment. The memory care facility should be designed to minimize any fall risk, have monitoring systems in place, and offer spaces designed to avoid disorientation.
● Specialized programs. The community should offer activities designed to meet the needs and abilities of its residents and promote cognitive and social integration.
● Emotional support. Choose a memory care community that offers support for both residents and their families.
● Focus on life quality. Prioritize facilities that emphasize dignity, independence, and emotional well-being.
Schedule a tour to assess whether the community meets your loved one’s needs and aligns with your family’s expectations.
If you feel overwhelmed or unsure about caring for a loved one with dementia, IntegraCare is here to help. You can read more about how we care for our Memory Care residents.
Remember, recognizing the early signs of dementia is the first step toward making sure your loved one receives the care they need.