It can be challenging for many people to recognize cognitive changes in an aging loved one. They often confuse signs of dementia with normal aging. In general, occasional forgetfulness or confusion are typical in seniors experiencing normal aging, while signs of dementia occur more frequently and can disrupt daily life.
This blog aims to highlight some common early warning signs of dementia so you can be aware of what to look out for and when to seek advice from your healthcare provider.
9 Common early warning signs of dementia
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, some early warning signs of dementia include:
1.Changes in speech and communication. Your loved one may have difficulty remembering words, frequently confusing pronouns, or experience slow and effortful speech.
2.Changes in word comprehension or reading. Your loved one might struggle to read, appear not to understand speech, or seem confused during family conversations.
3.Decreased or poor judgment. Your loved one living with dementia may use poor judgment when managing finances, cleaning, or keeping up with grooming themselves.
4.Memory loss that undermines daily function or quality of life. For example, your loved one might forget how to drive home, pay bills, or turn off the stove.
When is it time for memory care? Get the answers here >>
5.Difficulties with problem-solving and planning. We all make occasional errors, but ongoing problems following a recipe, managing money, or getting from one place to another suggest a problem.
6.Temporospatial confusion. People living with dementia may think they are living in an earlier time or a different location.
7.Confusing relationships. People living with dementia may not remember loved ones, may confuse them for other loved ones, or may repeatedly forget a loved one’s name.
8.Misplacing things and being unable to retrace steps. Your loved one may lose things and have difficulty going back to where they’ve been to locate the items.
9.Changes in mood and personality. Your loved one living with dementia may have mood and personality changes, where they become suspicious, depressed, or fearful. They may also withdraw from activities they once enjoyed.
Consider memory care when your loved one requires more specialized support and care services
Consider memory care in a community like Frontida Assisted Living, where we offer the highest quality in personalized memory care. Our dedicated memory care communities are designed to enhance the quality of life for residents living with cognitive decline.
Feel at Home at Frontida Assisted Living
Frontida Assisted Living values transparency and trust in each of our Wisconsin communities, and our team is ready to answer your questions, offer support, and provide resources to help you make a confident and informed decision for your future care.
Our compassionate team strives to create a sense of community and purpose for each resident through personalized programming, life-enriching activities, and special events.
Learn how we care for our residents with community amenities and services like:
- Private suites, bedrooms, and companion rooms
- Fully accessible bathrooms
- Spacious living rooms and engaging indoor recreation areas
- Cozy fireplaces and open-plan seating in living spaces
- Beautifully maintained outdoor areas
- Delicious, home-cooked meals and snacks
- 24-hour personal care and supervision
- Comfortable spa and salon (in specific locations)
- Dedicated memory care communities
- Specialized behavioral health care communities
- Housekeeping and laundry services
- Individualized care plans
- Life Enrichment Coordinators to plan and schedule meaningful activities for all residents
- Nursing staff to oversee the health and wellness of each resident
We value honesty, trust, and open communication to build relationships with our residents and their loved ones. Together, we form a partnership to ensure your loved one lives a fulfilling life, feeling a sense of belonging and purpose.
When you’re ready, contact any of our 11 Frontida assisted living and memory care communities to gather more information, or to set up a . We’re here for you whenever you need us.
We understand that transitioning into assisted care can be an emotional, stressful, and often confusing journey. That’s why we’re dedicated to helping you and your family navigate the complex world of care. Download our free guide: “Know the telltale signs: Is it time for senior living?,” to learn more.
