How to Tell if a Loved One May Have Dementia

It’s natural to worry when you notice changes in your loved one’s memory, mood, or behavior. Everyone forgets things now and then, but dementia is different—it involves more serious changes that affect daily life. Knowing what to look for can help you decide when it’s time to seek medical advice.

Signs to Watch For

Here are some common early signs that go beyond normal aging:

·       Memory Loss That Gets in the Way: Forgetting recently learned information, important dates, or events—and needing reminders more often than before.

·       Trouble with Everyday Tasks: Struggling to cook a familiar meal, pay bills, or use household appliances they’ve always managed.

·       Getting Confused About Time or Place: Not knowing what day it is, losing track of the season, or becoming disoriented in familiar places.

·       Language Difficulties: Having trouble finding the right words, repeating themselves often, or stopping mid-sentence.

·       Misplacing Things: Putting objects in unusual places (like the remote in the fridge) and not being able to retrace steps to find them.

·       Changes in Judgment: Making unusual choices, such as giving away money or neglecting personal care.

·       Pulling Away from Activities: Losing interest in hobbies, social events, or even family gatherings.

·       Mood and Personality Changes: Becoming more anxious, irritable, suspicious, or showing signs of depression.

Normal Aging vs. Dementia

• Normal aging: Occasionally forgetting a name, misplacing keys but finding them later, or sometimes needing more time to learn new things.

• Possible dementia: Forgetting information that doesn’t come back, repeating the same questions, or becoming unable to manage daily routines.

What Families Can Do

1.     Write Things Down: Keep a simple notebook or notes on your phone with examples of what you’ve noticed. This helps you spot patterns and share details with a doctor.

2.     Talk About It Gently: Bring up your concerns with kindness. For example: “I’ve noticed you’ve been forgetting a few things lately—maybe it would be good to check in with the doctor, just to be safe.”

3.     Schedule a Checkup: A doctor can run memory tests, review medications, and check for other health issues. Sometimes symptoms that look like dementia are actually caused by treatable conditions (such as vitamin deficiencies, thyroid problems, or depression).

4.     Seek Support: Caring for someone with memory changes can be stressful. Support groups, local agencies on aging, and memory care programs can help families feel less alone.

When to Take Action

If memory problems or personality changes are happening often and making daily life harder, it’s best to schedule a medical evaluation. Early detection can make a big difference in planning care, finding support, and making the most of time together.