Five Common Signs of Dementia in Seniors-and How You Can Help

When the people who’ve loved and nurtured you for decades show signs of memory loss or cognitive decline, it’s difficult to know what to do. You might be afraid that voicing your concerns will upset your parents, siblings or other family members.

The encouraging news is that the sooner you recognize and acknowledge these changes, the more you can help your loved one live their healthiest and most independent life. Here’s a list of five signs of dementia in seniors that may signal a need to take action.

1. Time and Object Confusion

When folks leave their workday routine behind, it’s normal for the days to blend together a bit. Seniors may, for example, wake up thinking it’s Saturday only to look at their cell phone and realize it’s Tuesday. However, if your loved one seems to be losing track of dates, seasons or the passage of time, it could be a sign of Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia.

Another sign of confusion in seniors is forgetting to take prescription medication—or taking multiple doses at once. Folks experiencing dementia may also have poor eating habits like frequently skipping meals or overindulging in unhealthy foods, leading to a sudden weight loss or gain.

And while everyone misplaces things now and them, people living with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia may put items “away” in unusual places (like placing a milk carton on a bookshelf). As the disease progresses, they may even begin to accuse others of stealing.

In early-stage dementia, written reminders or pill organizers may help your loved one continue to live independently at home. However, people with significant cognitive decline may need additional support from a retirement community like The Village at Germantown in Tennessee that offers medication management and balanced meals to help maintain physical wellness.

2. Memory Loss That Disrupts Your Loved One’s Daily Life

Occasional moments of confusion in seniors are a fairly normal part of the aging process. If your loved one needs help operating the TV remote or mixes up names from time to time, there’s usually no cause for alarm.

Other memory changes, like forgetting recently learned information or asking the same questions repeatedly, may be a bit more concerning. If you notice your loved one relying on memory aids or family members for things they used to handle on their own, it could be a sign of trouble as well.

Seniors living with memory changes from Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia can also find it hard to complete tasks like driving to the grocery store or organizing a simple grocery list. Another red flag is when your loved one struggles with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as dressing, bathing or using the bathroom.

When a parent experiences memory loss that interferes with their quality of life, it can be hard to determine what kind of help they need. A consultation with your loved one’s primary care doctor is a good place to start. He or she may suggest a mental status exam that measures concentration, short-term recall and spatial awareness to help you start a conversation with your family.

3. Concerns About Safety

Over time, people with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia can become less able to live safely in their homes. They may, for example, experience frequent falls, forget to turn off the stove or stop taking critical medications. Here are some questions that will help you assess your loved one’s safety risks:

• Are burners or appliances left on after cooking?
• Is a pet not being cared for?
• Does your loved one have unexplained bruises or injuries?
• Are there fall hazards?
• Has wandering put your loved one in dangerous situations?
• Is your loved one forgetting to take medications regularly?
• Are household tasks like laundry or cleaning being neglected?
• Is there spoiled food in the fridge or pantry?

If your loved one’s memory loss has progressed to the point where you’re worried about their safety, it may be time to consider a retirement community that offers memory care like The Village at Germantown in Tennessee. Here, your parent can benefit from daily routines, secure outdoor spaces and social activities that help them stay as independent as possible.

4. Problems With Speaking or Vision

You probably don’t need to be alarmed if your loved one can’t find the right words on occasion. But if they have trouble following a conversation—or if they stop in the middle of a conversation and cannot continue—it may be time for a closer look. A further sign of senior confusion is if your parent has trouble naming familiar objects. They may, for example, call a newspaper a “book” or call a bed a “thing you sleep in.”

Some people living with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia also experience vision changes not related to physical conditions like cataracts. These changes can include difficulties with depth perception or trouble distinguishing between colors, both of which can impede their ability to drive or read.

It’s crucial to mention concerns about speech or vision to your loved one’s physician, particularly because seniors can be hesitant to report these problems themselves. A doctor can help you sort through what is and isn’t normal so your family can determine whether at-home care or a memory care community would be the best way forward.

5. Changes in Mood, Behavior or Social Interactions

Sometimes it’s frustrating when a parent gets stuck in their ways or grows irritable when their routine is disrupted. But as challenging as these situations can be, they’re usually not signs of cognitive decline or memory loss.

However, seniors living with dementia may experience frequent mood changes like confusion, forgetfulness and disorientation, making them feel unsafe or afraid. This can lead to agitation, aggression or even violent outbursts. You may also notice changes in sleeping habits or be concerned that your parent is no longer socializing with others.

For many relatives and caregivers, changes in behavior and personality are the most distressing part of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. It helps to be patient and reassuring while trying not to let your frustrations show. Another approach is to redirect your loved one’s attention to a new activity like reading a book or going for a walk.

Memory care might also be an option if your parent is wandering or engaging in other unsafe activities. If you’re struggling to keep up with your loved one’s needs or your own health is suffering, a senior living community that offers secure and compassionate memory care can give you peace of mind.

Have Questions About Memory Care? Let’s Find the Answers Together

When it’s time to make a memory care decision, a knowledgeable and compassionate partner can help you find reassurance—and explore options you didn’t know you had. A quick chat with the team at The Village at Germantown might alleviate some of your worries.

Our beautifully appointed Assisted Living and Memory Care Center is graced with spacious apartments and warm and inviting common areas. There, residents thrive in a secure and tranquil setting with plenty of opportunities to cultivate physical and social dimensions of wellness.

To start a conversation or schedule a tour, call us at 901-752-2529.