It often starts with small moments: a misplaced item or a forgotten appointment. These changes can spark concern: Is this simply a natural part of aging, or something more? Recognizing the early signs of dementia or Alzheimer’s gives families more than answers. It provides a path forward, one that helps protect a loved one’s independence while easing the uncertainty for everyone involved.
Understanding Dementia and Alzheimer’s
Dementia involves a set of changes in memory and reasoning, which can impact how your family navigates life. Alzheimer’s is the most common form, but there are others as well. Knowing the differences helps families better understand what their loved one might be facing, and prepares them to ask the right questions at the doctor’s office.
- Alzheimer’s: The most common type often begins with memory issues and progresses gradually.
- Vascular Dementia: Caused by reduced blood flow to the brain, often after strokes or vascular damage.
- Lewy Body Dementia (LBD): Involves changes in mood, sleep, and visual perception, as well as cognitive decline.
- Frontotemporal Dementia: Tends to begin affecting people under 60, impacting behaviour, judgment, or speech.
- Mixed Dementia: Seniors may have two or more types of dementia simultaneously, such as Alzheimer’s and LBD, making it more challenging for families to identify.
Early Signs and Symptoms to Watch For
Forgetfulness is a normal part of aging, but when it begins to disrupt daily routines, it may signal something more serious. Repeatedly forgetting important dates, asking the same question minutes apart, or relying too heavily on reminders can lead to concerns, not just for your parent, but for the entire family.
If these signs seem familiar to you, we’re here to listen. Reach out for a no-obligation chat.
Memory Loss That Disrupts Daily Life
Memory changes may start small, but they can interrupt familiar routines over time. This can be unsettling, not only for your parent but also for the whole family, especially when the reason isn’t yet apparent.
- Forgetting recent information.
- Missing important appointments.
- Asking the same question repeatedly, sometimes minutes apart.
- Relying more on reminders or written notes.
Difficulty with Problem-Solving and Planning
You may notice tasks that your parent usually handled seamlessly are now beginning to feel overwhelming. These difficulties may seem like an attention lapse at first, but when they become consistent, they could point to early cognitive changes affecting logic and decision-making skills.
- Cooking a familiar meal.
- Balancing a chequebook.
- Struggling to follow steps in order.
- Taking longer than usual when completing a task, or giving up entirely.
Confusion with Time or Place
Losing track of time or even familiar places can become more common. While these moments might seem like normal aging at first, they may be early signs worth paying closer attention to.
- A loved one might forget what season it is.
- Struggle to remember how they arrived somewhere.
- Getting lost in a previously well-known neighbourhood.
- Feeling disoriented in familiar surroundings.
Trouble Understanding Visual and Spatial Relationships
Vision-related changes that aren’t due to eye health could signal cognitive decline. These symptoms are often subtle at first, but can increase the risk of accidents.
- Your parent might find reading more difficult.
- Misjudge distances when walking or reaching.
- Struggle to recognize familiar faces.
- Issues with spatial awareness while driving, like trouble navigating turns or parking.
Problems with Speaking or Writing
Changes in communication skills can surface gradually; your parent might lose their train of thought mid-sentence or start using unusual words. This can lead to frustration or withdrawal from conversations, especially in group settings.
- Difficulty joining or following a conversation.
- Frequently forgetting words or substituting them with unrelated ones.
- Calling familiar objects by the wrong names.
- Repeating themselves or pausing frequently while searching for the right words.
Misplacing Items and Losing the Ability to Retrace Steps
It’s normal to misplace items occasionally, but what’s different here is the inability to go back and find them. Seniors may start placing everyday objects in strange spots, then feel convinced someone has taken them.
- Placing items in unusual locations, like keys in the fridge.
- Losing items frequently with no memory of where they were last used.
- Accusing others of stealing.
- Feeling increasingly anxious about lost items.
Poor Judgment and Decision-Making
You might start to notice choices that are out of character. These shifts often go unnoticed at first, but they can pose real risks over time.
- Falling for phone or email scams.
- Giving away large sums of money impulsively.
- Wearing clothing inappropriate for the weather.
- Neglecting personal hygiene or skipping regular routines.
Withdrawal from Work or Social Activities
When everyday interactions become more difficult, it’s common for seniors to pull back from the people and activities they once loved. This withdrawal can be mistaken for depression but may point to cognitive changes.
- Losing interest in long-standing hobbies or social groups.
- Skipping events they previously enjoyed.
- Avoiding conversations, especially in group settings.
- Expressing discomfort or nervousness in social situations.
Changes in Mood and Personality
Early cognitive decline can subtly reshape how your parent reacts to the world around them. They may become more easily upset, anxious, or suspicious, especially in unfamiliar situations. These changes can be hard to separate from typical aging, but when they begin to affect relationships or routines, they deserve attention.
- Increased irritability, anxiety, or restlessness.
- Feelings of confusion or fear, especially in new environments.
- Sudden mood swings or emotional outbursts.
- Uncharacteristic aggression or withdrawal from family.
When to See a Doctor
Dementia and Alzheimer’s aren’t a normal part of aging, which is why speaking with a doctor early on can bring you clarity and reassurance. While it may feel difficult to discuss, an evaluation can help rule out other potential diagnoses and offer treatment options to create a plan that can help your loved one maintain a high quality of life.
Including them in the decision to reach out to a professional can reassure them that their voice matters, even during times of change. Talk to your loved ones about their symptoms and include them in the decision-making process. If they’re hesitant to visit a doctor, let them know that a medical evaluation or required tests can help treat their condition and decrease symptoms, thereby maintaining or even improving their quality of life.
Need help navigating next steps? Speak with a care advisor who can guide you through the process.
Next Steps After Diagnosis
Hearing the words ‘dementia’ or ‘Alzheimer’s’ can feel overwhelming. However, an early diagnosis also opens the door to early intervention, ensuring your parent receives care that evolves with their changing needs. Each step isn’t just about managing symptoms, but protecting those moments of joy and independence.
- Medications and therapy can help prevent symptoms from worsening, especially when caught early.
- Lifestyle changes, such as engaging in brain-stimulating activities, maintaining daily routines, and adopting a balanced diet, can enhance quality of life.
- Emotional and behavioural symptoms often benefit from caregiver consistency and a calm, structured environment.
Closing Thoughts
Dementia doesn’t just affect one person; it impacts the entire family, reshaping routines. At Assurance Home Care, we understand those shifts. That’s why our dementia and Alzheimer’s care focuses on more than safety; it’s about preserving routines, providing comfort, and giving families the peace of mind that their loved one is cared for with empathy and skill. From gentle reminders in the early stages to 24/7 support when needs grow, we’re here to walk beside your family every step of the way.
About The Author
Stephen Bleeker
Stephen Bleeker is dedicated to redefining senior care as the CEO and founder of Assurance Home Care. His passion for enhancing the quality of life for seniors is at the heart of the company’s mission, which focuses on supporting aging in place through compassionate, personalized care. With a diverse background spanning music, lifestyle, and entertainment, Stephen brings a unique blend of creativity and strategic insight to the healthcare industry. His knack for innovation, customer experience, and holistic marketing has consistently led to exceptional outcomes, making him a dynamic leader who’s transforming how care is delivered.