Learning to spot dementia symptoms in aging parents and documenting the early signs of dementia can make a big difference. These could be subtle, such as beginning to struggle with managing finances, becoming lost or turned around, or even struggling to maintain a healthy, nutritious diet. Your observations could provide helpful insight to doctors, leading to a quicker and more accurate diagnosis. Signs of dementia can vary and be tough to spot, especially if you aren’t sure what to look for. Keep in mind that people with dementia may only show some, not all of, the symptoms below.
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It’s normal for older adults to experience lapses in thought or repeat things occasionally. However, showing signs of forgetfulness daily or frequently repeating themselves are early warning signs of dementia.
Is your parent often tongue-tied? Have you noticed verbal repetition in your parents’ thoughts or phrases? If your parent loses track of their thoughts mid-sentence, struggles finding words in conversation, or repeats stories, questions, thoughts, or jokes regularly, be sure to note the frequency. Depending on various factors, this could indeed be a sign of dementia.
Read more:What Do Dementia Patients Think About?
Seniors exhibiting early signs of dementia may forget the route to a familiar location, experience an inability to maintain a healthy diet, forget plans, or struggle to manage household finances. Watch for bills piling up and other problem-solving skills declining, as recurring memory loss is an early sign of dementia.
Everyone occasionally forgets something, but if it happens regularly, document when and how often. For example, take note if your parent regularly forgets:
Your parent may forget to eat or drink or develop a nutrient absorption problem. Senior dehydration or sudden weight loss can be severe. Medications to treat dementia symptoms can also affect your loved one’s appetite or interfere with food taste. Ensuring your loved one with dementia gets adequate fluids and nutrition can be a challenge.
As dementia progresses, your loved one may lose bladder and bowel control. Changes in their environment may also lead to accidents, as someone with dementia may not be able to find the bathroom or get there in time.
Many seniors experiencing the early stages of cognitive decline may forget important dates, the day or year, or get lost easily. If your elderly parent forgets the day, month, year, holidays, or other important dates, this is a red flag and could be a sign of dementia. Write down what they forget and how often the lapses occur.
People with dementia sometimes get lost in familiar places or wander aimlessly. Dementia wandering can happen for many reasons, including fear, anxiety, boredom, or an urge to follow past routines.
As you notice these behaviors in a senior parent, keep track of the dates and frequency. If these lapses happen more often as time goes on, you may want to consider discussing these issues with their doctor.
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Detecting early warning signs is all about noticing what is different or changed for that person. Someone who has misplaced their keys on occasion their whole life, for example, wouldn’t count as an early sign of dementia. By comparison, someone who has never misplaced their keys and suddenly starts doing it on a regular basis might be experiencing early warning signs.
While it may be hard to distinguish between dementia symptoms and ordinary aging, dementia typically comes with cumulative cognitive decline. If your mom’s favorite activity is cooking, but she’s struggling to use a new appliance or follow a new recipe, this could indicate dementia may be the culprit. If you notice your parent avoiding new activities or needing help to grasp a new concept, note it.
Have you noticed behaviors or situations that seem out of the ordinary, like paranoia or recklessness? For example, has your parent been spending more money than usual? Have they stopped wearing a seat belt? Significant changes in behavior or struggling to comprehend new concepts can be early indicators of dementia.
Keep in mind that some medications can also cause memory loss. If you notice dangerous behavior or unsafe habits, keep track of them as they occur and talk to your parent’s doctor. They can help you evaluate if these are signs of dementia or side effects of a medication.
Mood changes that include confusion, irritability, depression, or anxiety are common behaviors in people with dementia. Your parent may become easily upset in different or new situations.
Insomnia and sundown syndrome are common problems in people with dementia. Your parent may have difficulties falling asleep, or they may wake up several times throughout the night. They may also feel more restless at the end of the day — sundowning. Doctors believe sundowning can be triggered by exhaustion, excitement, or changes in the biological clocks of people with dementia. Managing sleep is an essential aspect of taking care of elderly parents with dementia.
Has your loved one lost interest in or stopped pursuing their favorite hobbies or engaging in social situations? Does your parent no longer attend his morning coffee group? Did they read or garden daily but no longer make an effort? Pay attention to unusual behavior, especially if it doesn’t seem related to a physical health problem. These could also be signs of dementia.
No one knows your parents’ personalities, hobbies, or quirks like you do. So, if you persistently feel that their behavior is off, there’s a good chance it is.
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Although you typically can’t tell if a person has dementia just by looking at them, you can watch for warning behaviors. Not everyone will show all the signs and symptoms of dementia listed, but if you notice a pattern, it may be time to talk to a doctor.
If you’re worried about upsetting a loved one, privately write your observations to their physician.
Include details about:
It’s essential to find professional help after noticing early symptoms of dementia.
Continue to observe and take notes to help you and medical professionals determine the best care and treatment options for your loved one.
For more resources and information on caring for a loved one with dementia, download A Place for Mom’s dementia care guide, or reach out to a local Senior Living Advisor. In addition to memory care resources, a Senior Living Advisor can help you find in-home care support and other options.
Marzanski, M. (2000, November). On telling the truth to patients with dementia. Western Journal of Medicine.
Marshall, G., & LeWine, H. E. (2022, February 2). What should you tell someone who has Alzheimer’s disease? Harvard Health.
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