How to Recognize the Signs and Symptoms of Dementia and Alzheimer’s

As our loved ones age, its natural to notice some changes in their memory, thinking, and behavior. Forgetting where they placed their keys or occasionally mixing up names is often just part of growing older. However, theres a fine line between typical aging and the early symptoms of dementia. Recognizing this difference is crucial for getting help early and preserving quality of life.What you will learn:         The key differences between normal aging and early signs of dementia.         Seven critical symptoms of early dementia that shouldnt be overlooked.         How early detection can improve care planning and quality of life.         Ways in-home care supports seniors with dementia and eases family caregiving challenges.         Normal Aging vs. Early Dementia         Understanding whats considered normal aging is key. Age-related memory changes often involve forgetfulness that doesnt disrupt daily life. A senior might take longer to recall a word or forget why they walked into a room, but the information typically comes back. Theyre still able to manage household tasks, keep appointments, and make sound decisions.         In contrast, dementia is a progressive condition that interferes with the ability to function independently. It affects memory, communication, reasoning, and judgment, and eventually requires full-time care. 7 Key Dementia Signs You Shouldnt IgnoreHere are some critical signs of early dementia:1.      Frequent Memory Loss That Disrupts Daily Life: Forgetting recently learned information and relying heavily on notes or others to remember things they used to manage on their own.2.      Difficulty Completing Familiar Tasks: Struggling to follow a recipe, balance a checkbook, or operate appliances theyve used for years.3.      Trouble Finding Words or Following Conversations: Difficulty expressing thoughts or understanding what others are saying, often pausing, repeating themselves, or struggling to name everyday objects.4.      Poor Judgment or Decision-Making: Giving away large sums of money, neglecting hygiene, or dressing inappropriately for the weather.5.      Confusion About Time or Place: Getting lost in familiar places, forgetting how they got somewhere, or becoming confused about the date or season.6.      Changes in Mood or Personality: Unusual irritability, depression, anxiety, or withdrawal from social activities.7.      Misplacing Items and Losing the Ability to Retrace Steps: Putting items in unusual places and being unable to find them again without help.How In-Home Care Can HelpCaring for a loved one showing signs of dementia can be emotionally and physically challenging. Thats where in-home support from Always Best Care of Denver can make a meaningful difference. Our caregivers are trained to recognize the early symptoms of cognitive decline and keep families informed about changes. They can help with daily tasks, encourage mental stimulation, and provide companionship.Having a compassionate caregiver in the home gives families peace of mind, ensuring that your loved one is safe, supported, and able to maintain as much independence as possible.FAQQ: Whats the difference between normal aging and early dementia? A: Normal aging involves forgetfulness that doesnt disrupt daily life, while early dementia affects memory, communication, and judgment, impacting daily functioning.Q: How can I support a loved one with early signs of dementia?A: Seek professional evaluation early, and consider in-home care for support with daily tasks and companionship.Q: Is it possible to slow down dementia progression? A: While theres no cure, early detection and support can improve quality of life and slow down some symptoms.Schedule a Complimentary Consultation at Always Best Care of Denver!If youre concerned about memory changes in someone you care about, dont wait to take action. Contact Always Best Care of Denver at (303) 952-3060 for a care consultation. Our experienced team can help you understand your options and create a care plan tailored to your loved ones unique needs. Early support mattersand you dont have to navigate it alone.

Home should be a haven, but for someone living with dementia, it can quickly turn into a maze of confusion and hazards. At Always Best Care of Denver, we know that a few thoughtful tweaks-big or small-can make all the difference. So, how can we transform a regular home into a dementia-friendly home? Grab a cup of tea, and lets roll up our sleeves!What you will learn: The key reasons why home modifications for dementia are essential for safety, comfort, and independence. Simple, practical ways to adapt each room. Useful safety tips, technology aids, and supportive equipment that help prevent accidents and ease daily life for loved ones with dementia. Why Home Modifications for Dementia MatterDementia changes how people see, remember, and interact with their environment. Simple tasks become tricky, and familiar spaces can suddenly feel foreign. Smart home modifications for dementia can: Reduce falls and injuries. Boost independence. Ease anxiety and confusion. Prevent wandering and accidents. 3 Key Principles of a Dementia-Friendly HomeLight It Up Double the usual lighting levels; aging eyes need more light! Use daylight as much as possible; keep curtains open and windows clear. Add motion-sensor lights in hallways and bathrooms for nighttime trips. Color and Contrast Use contrasting colors for walls, floors, and furniture to help with depth perception. Avoid busy patterns; they can confuse or even frighten someone with dementia. Try colored tape or labels for steps, switches, and taps. Declutter and Simplify Keep walkways clear; no tripping over shoes or stray rugs! Store daily-use items in easy-to-reach, labeled spots. Remove or lock away hazardous items like cleaning products, knives, and medications. Room-by-Room Home Modifications for DementiaKitchen Safety Tips Install stoves with auto shut-off features or remove stove knobs. Keep sharp objects and cleaning supplies locked away. Use clear labels on cupboards and drawers. Regularly clean out the fridge; no one wants a science experiment gone wrong! Bathroom Modifications Add grab rails and slip-resistant mats. Install a raised toilet seat and a color-contrasted toilet seat for easy spotting. Use lever taps and label hot and cold clearly. Remove electric blankets and hot water bottles. Bedroom Safety Place non-slip mats beside the bed (but make sure theyre not a trip hazard). Install nightlights or motion-sensor lights for late-night wandering. Remove mirrors or limit them. Living Areas Arrange furniture for easy navigation; think wide, open paths. Use photos of loved ones and familiar objects to create a sense of belonging. Keep commonly used items, like the TV remote or favorite blanket, within arms reach. Top 10 Dementia Safety Tips Lock away hazardous items (cleaners, knives, meds). Use contrasting colors for steps and switches. Install grab rails and slip-resistant flooring. Add motion-sensor lights throughout the house. Label doors, cupboards, and drawers. Remove or secure loose rugs and cords. Keep emergency numbers on every phone. Limit mirrors and reflective surfaces. Use door alarms to prevent wandering. Regularly assess the home for new hazards. Technology Aids and Equipment Door alarms and GPS trackers for wandering prevention. Smart home systems for automating lights and heating. Memory aids like whiteboards or digital reminders. Accessible phones with large buttons and photo dialing.          Frequently Asked Questions About Home Safety Modifications for People With Dementia         How do I start dementia proofing a home?         Begin with a walk-through, looking for trip hazards, poor lighting, and unsecured dangerous items. Tackle the most urgent risks first, then work room by room.         Whats the best lighting for dementia patients at home?         Bright, even lighting is key! Use natural daylight when possible and add motion-sensor lights in dark areas. Avoid glare and harsh shadows.         How can I prevent wandering at home?         Install door alarms, use locks on exit doors, and consider GPS devices. Keep doors to unsafe areas locked, but allow easy access to safe spaces.         Are labels and signage really helpful?         Absolutely! Clear, simple labels (words or pictures) on doors, cupboards, and drawers help jog memory and reduce frustration.         What should I avoid in a dementia-friendly home?         Busy patterns, clutter, loose rugs, and anything sharp or toxic. Also, steer clear of complicated gadgets and confusing layouts.Transform Your Home Into a Safe Haven | Start Your Dementia-Friendly Makeover Today!Making home modifications for dementia isnt just about safety-its about helping our loved ones feel confident, comfortable, and cared for. At Always Best Care of Denver, we believe a few thoughtful changes can turn a house back into a home. Remember, its not about perfection; its about progress. Ready to roll up your sleeves and create a dementia-friendly home? Were right here with you every step of the way. Contact Always Best Care of Denver at (303) 952-3060 to learn more and schedule your free consultation.

Alzheimers is the most common type of dementia and occurs when plaques and bundles of proteins build up between nerve cells in the brain, ultimately causing brain cell death. Individuals often experience confusion, memory loss and inability to care for themselves. The disease is physically degenerative and is often mentally and emotionally draining on both the individual with the disease, as well as family members around them. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimers, you likely have a lot of questions. At BrightStar Care, our team has experience in working with clients and families dealing with Alzheimers and want to help you better understand the road ahead.Causes & Diagnosis of AlzheimersWhen caring for a loved one with dementia, knowledge and understanding of their condition can be invaluable. Although every case of Alzheimers disease is unique, there are some commonalities in terms of causes, symptoms and general prognoses.What causes Alzheimers?For people diagnosed with Alzheimers, the exact timeline, symptoms and primary causes will vary. There are many possible causes of Alzheimers disease that include genetic, environmental and/or lifestyle factors. Diet, sleep patterns and a lack of both cognitive and physical exercise may all play a role in the causes of Alzheimers.What is the difference between Alzheimer's and dementia?Dementia is not a disease itself, but rather a group of symptoms that impact brain functionality caused by various diseases and conditions. Alzheimers disease is the most common form of dementia, accounting for 60-80% of dementia cases.What is the 12-question test for Alzheimers? The 12-question test for dementia, also known as the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), is a clinical tool used to evaluate cognitive impairment. It assesses several cognitive functions including memory, orientation to time and place, language abilities, and calculation skills. By asking a series of 12 questions, healthcare providers can gauge a person's cognitive status and help determine the likelihood of dementia.Alzheimers Symptoms & PrognosisThe earliest detectable signs of Alzheimers include memory trouble, apathy and depression. People in the early stages of Alzheimers might have problems completing familiar tasks or misplace things and be unable to retrace their steps. As the disease progresses, more severe symptomsincluding impaired communication, poor judgment and disorientationmay emerge. Each individuals experience with Alzheimers is unique. Your doctor and medical team can help you better understand your condition, symptoms and any treatment options as they relate to you. What are the symptoms of Alzheimers?Alzheimers is most commonly characterized by mental confusion and forgetfulness. Some common tell-tale behaviors are forgetting familiar names, getting lost in familiar places, and an inability to complete routine tasks.How can I tell the difference between Alzheimers and typical signs of aging?While forgetfulness and confusion are associated with Alzheimers, these symptoms also accompany normal aging. So, how can you tell the difference? The Alzheimers Association lists memory loss as a challenge that disrupts daily life, challenges in planning or solving problems, and difficulty completing familiar tasks. They also differentiate these symptoms from the milder signs of normal cognitive decline. For instance, while a normal older adult might occasionally struggle to balance their checkbook or forget an important name or date and then remember it later, these difficulties are more persistent or extreme for an Alzheimers sufferer.For example, occasionally losing your keys or forgetting what you had for breakfast that morning is common among older adults. However, a person with Alzheimers may show even more pronounced lapses in memory. For instance, they may not only lose their keys, but also completely forget what keys are for, showing a stark decline in cognitive connections. Whats the typical Alzheimers prognosis? For people diagnosed with Alzheimers, the exact timeline, symptoms, and severity of their disease can vary. However, the trajectory of the disease tends to flow through seven distinct phases, originally outlined by Dr. Barry Reisberg of New York University.The arc generally begins with symptoms similar to those of normal aging, proceeds through gradually worsening stages that can include difficulty with simple arithmetic and forgetting personal details, and ends with severe decline typified by the inability to swallow.Early stages: Early-stage Alzheimers typically includes mild decline, such as difficulty in finding the right word during conversation, losing personal possessions and having trouble remembering familiar names. At this stage, family members can typically manage care for their afflicted loved one.  Middle stages: This period is marked by moderate decline in mental faculties, including poor short-term memory, inability to manage personal finances, difficulty dressing or grooming and significant confusion. In these stages, a person with Alzheimers may need occasional in-home care or nursing services.Late stages: In the final stages, severe decline is present, including inability to recognize familiar faces, inability to remember personal details, loss of bladder control and major personality changes. Individuals at this stage either relocate to a residential facility or have a full-time in-home caregiver.Is there a cure for Alzheimers? Theres no known cure for Alzheimers, only treatments that can ease symptoms. The FDA has approved two types of medications (cholinesterase inhibitors, such as Aricept, Exelon, and Razadyne, and memantine, found in Namenda) that diminish mental confusion, memory loss, and other cognitive symptoms, but these do not reverse the underlying causes.Recent research and clinical trials have made potential breakthroughs with immunotherapy treatments and monoclonal antibodies. Many also suggest herbal supplements like gingko biloba and coenzyme Q10, but these lack confirmation through clinical trials. Additionally, non-drug interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy as well as caregiver support programs can improve quality of life, especially in early stages. Alzheimers Prevention and Management Understanding the nature of Alzheimers and how to manage it can positively impact families affected by this disease. Having accurate information about risk factors, early warning signs and how to manage each stage of Alzheimers can help support family caregivers throughout the progression of the disease. How can I prevent Alzheimers? There are no proven ways to completely prevent Alzheimers. As with many degenerative illnesses, a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, balanced diet, and effective sleep habits, may help lower the risk of developing Alzheimers. Research has shown a correlation between high blood pressure and high cholesterol and the incidence of the disease. Doctors recommend getting these numbers to a healthy level, not only for Alzheimers prevention but for general good health.There are a variety of ways to maintain good brain health that can also work toward a lower likelihood of Alzheimers disease. Regular social interaction, brain stimulating activities such as puzzles and learning new skills, and managing stress levels can help maintain cognitive health. Certain forms of physical exercise can also support brain health such as walking, swimming and strength training. Is Alzheimer's hereditary?There are rare familial forms of dementia caused by genetic mutations such as familial Alzheimers disease, frontotemporal dementia and familial vascular dementia, which are more likely to occur in people under the age of 65. However, research shows that most cases of Alzheimers are not linked to genetics.How prevalent is Alzheimer's?Before the age of 65, only 1 out of every 1,000 people develop dementia. The chance of having the condition rises sharply with age to 1 person in 20 over the age of 65. Over the age of 80, this figure increases to 1 person in 5.How does Alzheimer's disease progress over time?Alzheimers is a degenerative disease that progresses in stages from mild to moderate to severe. The disease usually starts with mild symptoms such as increasing forgetfulness, then progresses to general confusion and disorientation. Finally, Alzheimers patients end up with severe symptoms, such as an inability to communicate or care for themselves.Caregiver Support for Alzheimers Disease Caring for a loved one with Alzheimers disease can be difficult from both a physical and emotional perspective. Family caregivers can benefit from trusted resources to help them more effectively communicate with their loved one with Alzheimers. Having the right resources and information can help them learn to manage difficult behaviors like agitation and wandering and ensure safety and fall prevention in the home. At BrightStar Care, we can help connect you with resources to support family caregivers, including support groups, education and training. For those with family members in the early stages of Alzheimers, we offer respite care to help give you a much-needed break. And as their condition progresses, our team can match you with compassionate, qualified memory care professionals. Reach out today and let us know how we can help.To learn more please contact us at 303-300-6666.