10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer's and Dementia: What to Look For
LEGEND SENIOR LIVING
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Jul 13, 2024
Pennsylvania - Greater Pittsburgh Area
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As you prepare to celebrate the holidays this season, you may notice some changes in your parents or senior loved ones if you haven’t seen them in a while. They may seem more forgetful, depressed or confused. Do they have Alzheimer’s disease or Dementia? Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disease which is both debilitating and life-changing. Is it time to start researching assisted living or memory care communities? Fortunately, there are warning signs your loved one may have Alzheimer’s disease or Dementia that can help you determine if it’s time to look at visiting a community, or at least visiting a doctor.
10 Early Indicators of Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia in Seniors:
-Forgetfulness and Short-Term Memory Loss
The early effects of memory loss cause people to forget entire conversations from just moments before. Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease typically affect short term-memory first (memories that took place just a few moments ago). One of the most telling signs of memory issues are when those suffering forget important dates, the ability to remember their family members or ask for the same information repeatedly.
-Increased Confusion or Increased Lack of Concentration
Confusion about times and places can be one of the first indicators of memory loss. Tasks can take much longer than usual, people may forget where they’re going or how they got there or even be unable to navigate to familiar places. This leads to forgetting to track time, seasons and even the passage of time (which leads to forgotten appointments).
-Items Show Up In Strange Places or Loved Ones Are Losing Things
We all lose things - but those suffering with the early stages of Dementia or Alzheimer’s disease “lose” keys or other things in strange places (like the refrigerator). To compound the issue, those affected may lose items and forget how to retrace their steps. Situations can further escalate to paranoia or theft accusations against caregivers.
-Difficulty Doing Common Tasks
Anyone with memory loss or early signs of Dementia might not remember the coordination associated with cooking a favorite recipe, playing a familiar game, driving a vehicle or performing a hobby. Often, early signs of Alzheimer’s disease or Dementia are noticeable in depth perception, misjudged distances, and seeing colors- attributing for clumsiness, having accidents, falling or other serious health concerns.
-Speaking Problems and Other Language Issues
Issues with memory loss can also cause problems with processing and forming language. This can be apparent in conversations and writing. Your loved ones often compensate for this by using stand-in words or their own terms to avoid describing objects and difficult actions. Sometimes, those suffering will stop abruptly during sentences or when engaged in conversation.
-Loved Ones Having Problems with Abstract Thinking
Those suffering from memory loss sometimes have difficulty remembering numbers or doing math problems that are traditionally easy for them like simple change calculations, balancing checkbooks, or performing addition and subtraction.
-Lapses of Judgement / Issues Making Decisions
While making a bad judgement call or having a difficult time making decisions isn’t necessarily a “sign of Alzheimer’s” or a “sign of Dementia,” it could be one of the signs your senior parent or loved one might have Dementia. This could include your loved one falling for offers that are clearly scams, spending a reckless amount of money, or dressing inappropriately for weather conditions or following up on simple plans.
-Personality Changes, Mood Swings, Frustration, Fear and Anxiety
Sometimes, those suffering with memory care needs have mood swings and show changes in personality. This can cause those suffering to get scared, act fearful, be depressed, become angry, overly anxious or even worried. This can even cause a calm, confident adult to become immediately tentative, shy, and confused especially when they’re outside of their comfort zone - like in a public area.
-Loss of Grooming Ability or Changes in Personal Hygiene
Declining attention to personal care (infrequent bathing, wearing the same clothes day in and out, not brushing teeth or hair) are often precursors to dementia. The same is true about cleaning the home - if a home’s cleanliness declines suddenly, it could be a sign of a memory issue.
-Loved Ones Withdrawal from Friends and Family
One of the biggest red flags is when seniors start withdrawing from social opportunities and activities that they enjoyed in the past. Legend Senior Living has found that seniors with dementia and Alzheimer’s disorder avoid being around people to avoid drawing attention to their memory loss, lapses in memory, or difficulty communicating because of memory loss.
These symptoms can seem pretty normal as we engage and interact with our loved ones however, they can also be very telling in understanding how memory loss such as Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease affect our loved ones. If you notice these symptoms in your loved one, we encourage you to seek out additional care options and services that ensure your loved one is getting the care they need to live their best life.
- To view the original version of this article visit legendseniorliving.com/helpful-resources/news/for-family-members/10-warning-signs-of-alzheimers-and-dementia-what-to-look-for.html?utm_campaign=Schedule%20a%20Tour&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9lIr6q_dKRWyUERaQ00V9bAX2FgWVVQeeLnAMiUa45KmAsnek_X
- Seniors Blue Book was not involved in the creation of this content.
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Family involvement is warmly welcomed, whether through scheduled visits, special events, or care planning meetings.A Peaceful and Purposeful EnvironmentThe memory care neighborhood at The Remington is crafted to feel like home, with familiar dcor, comfortable seating areas, and easy-to-navigate layouts that reduce confusion and promote independence. Soothing colors, natural light, and secure outdoor spaces provide a calming atmosphere where residents can relax, walk, and enjoy the beauty of nature in safety. Every design choice supports wellness, offering reassurance to both residents and their families. Dining in the memory care setting is thoughtfully adapted, with small dining rooms, visual cues, and assistance as needed to encourage nutritional intake and independence. Residents enjoy chef-prepared meals that are nutritious, flavorful, and easy to manage.Support for Families, Peace of Mind for AllCaring for someone with memory loss can be overwhelming, but you don't have to do it alone. Families of memory care residents at The Remington gain not only support but also peace of mind knowing their loved ones are in capable, caring hands. The staff provides open, ongoing communication with families, offering updates, resources, and reassurance. Whether youre navigating a recent diagnosis or making the transition from home care to community living, the team is there to help guide and support each step. Knowing that your loved one is surrounded by experienced caregivers in a nurturing environment allows families to shift their focus back to quality time and shared moments of connection.A Full-Service Community That Grows with YouWhat makes The Remington truly stand out is its full continuum of care. Residents can transition from independent living to personal care or memory care as their needs evolve, all while remaining in the same familiar community. This continuity offers unmatched peace of mind for residents and families alike. The community is also rich in amenities, including an elegant dining room, salon and spa, fitness and wellness center, theater room, library, game room, and beautifully landscaped courtyards. Life at The Remington is filled with opportunities to enjoy comfort, friendship, and discoveryno matter your care level.Your Partner in Memory CareMemory care at The Remington of McCandless is rooted in compassion, backed by experience, and focused on dignity. Its a place where seniors living with memory challenges can feel safe, respected, and lovedand where families can find the support and relief they need. If youre seeking a memory care community in the Pittsburgh area that balances clinical expertise with heartfelt care, The Remington is a place where meaningful moments are nurtured every day.Contact us to schedule a personal tour.