Knowing how to recognize symptoms of memory loss and understanding when to seek professional care can go a long way in supporting a loved one. Occasionally forgetting something isn’t abnormal, but memory issues that disrupt everyday life may be cause for concern.
Signs and symptoms of early dementia include mood and behavior changes, forgetting information learned recently, and misplacing familiar objects or putting them in unusual places. If you think your loved one has symptoms of dementia, be sure to consult with a doctor. Consider professional memory care if you’re concerned about your loved one’s safety and ability to take care of themselves.
Aging or Dementia?
Everyone forgets things on occasion. It’s not always easy to tell whether behavior should be considered natural or concerning. However, dementia isn’t a natural part of aging. It’s a cognitive condition that interferes with a person’s daily life, affecting thinking, memory, and behavior.
As a normal part of aging, older adults may occasionally:
- Lose objects
- Forget the date but remember it later
- Have trouble recalling the right word
These occasional symptoms are typically not concerning. However, the following are signs that something more serious like dementia may be going on:
- Constantly misplacing items or storing things in unusual locations
- Forgetting the season or time of year
- Trouble carrying a conversation
Dementia vs. Alzheimer’s Disease
Dementia is not a singular disease but an umbrella term for a group of symptoms that affect memory and thinking. The most common cause of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease, but dementia can also be related to frontotemporal degeneration and vascular disease.
Early Signs of Dementia
It’s not always easy to recognize early signs of dementia. Being observant and knowing the signs, however, can mean earlier intervention and planning. The following are signs and symptoms of early dementia or Alzheimer’s that may warrant a trip to the doctor:
Forgetfulness
Occasionally forgetting things is normal. But if the forgetfulness is pervasive, especially if it’s recently learned information, this may be an early sign of dementia. Other signs include repeating information and needing more help to remember things that the person once had no trouble remembering.
Misplacing Objects
Everyone loses things once in a while. But a person in the early stages of dementia may lose things frequently or store things in inappropriate locations. People in later stages of dementia may be suspicious that others are stealing from them.
Difficulty With Language
It’s normal to occasionally not know the word for something, but people with dementia have more serious challenges with language. They may have trouble following a conversation, may keep repeating what they’re saying, or may stop in the middle of a sentence.
Changes in Mood, Behavior & Personality
Behavior and mood changes are notable early signs of dementia. While everyone experiences good days and bad days, it’s more concerning when a person shows signs of depression, anxiety, paranoia, and social withdrawal. It’s also worrying when a person loses interest in hobbies and activities they once enjoyed.
Poorer judgment and decision-making may also be noticeable in early dementia.
Trouble With Familiar Tasks
If your loved one finds it challenging to complete familiar, everyday tasks or struggles with problem-solving, they may be experiencing early signs of dementia. This might include struggling with budgeting their monthly expenses or forgetting how to use the TV.
Trouble Getting Oriented in Time & Place
People of all ages may sometimes forget what day it is, but a person in the early ages of dementia may have trouble understanding where they are in time and space. They may be confused by what season it is, or how they got to their current location and the events leading up to that moment.
Issues With Perception
Some people with Alzheimer’s experience vision changes that affect how they perceive color and distance. This can affect the way they read or drive, and may even contribute to balance issues.
When to Consider Memory Care
Moving into a senior living community isn’t an easy decision. However, dementia is a progressive disease that gets worse over time, so it’s likely that your loved one will require memory care eventually. The following are signs that families should consider professional memory care:
- Challenges with self-care: Your loved one has trouble keeping up with personal hygiene, eating, or housekeeping.
- Worries about safety: People with dementia may wander, which can be worrisome for caregivers and loved ones.
- Health concerns: Forgetting to take medications or neglecting doctor appointments can be a cause for concern.
- Caregiver stress: As dementia progresses, a person’s support needs become greater and more demanding on family and friends. At this stage, professional care may be beneficial to everyone involved.
Memory Care in Arden Hills, MN
Memory care programs are designed to serve the needs of people with memory issues like Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. For example, at Round Lake Senior Living, staff in our memory care program are certified and trained by the Alzheimer’s Association. They also undergo Enriching Connections, a training program that values relationships, community, and engagement.
Residents in Round Lake Senior Living memory care can also benefit from:
- 24-hour on-site staff
- Services and amenities including a fitness center, library, and chapel
- Social and recreational activities
- 1- or 2-bedroom apartments with full kitchens
Moving to a senior community is never an easy or simple decision, but we’re here to help. To see if Round Lake Senior Living is right for you, schedule a tour to see what we offer.
