While some memory changes with age are normal, it can be worrying if a loved one’s memory loss starts disrupting their daily life. If you don’t know how to respond to such changes, the experience can be all the more overwhelming.
Recognizing that their memory is changing can be equally distressing to your loved one, which is why supporting a loved one showing signs of dementia means providing a supportive and safe environment, prioritizing effective communication, and educating yourself about dementia.
Understanding the Early Signs of Dementia
Noticing sudden changes in a loved one can be unsettling, but recognizing the early warning signs of dementia is an essential first step in getting them the help they may need. Some of the most common signs include:
- Memory loss that disrupts daily life (e.g., forgetting recent events or asking the same question repeatedly).
- Difficulty planning or solving problems, such as managing finances or following recipes.
- Confusion with time or place, losing track of dates or forgetting how they got somewhere.
- Trouble with familiar tasks, like cooking a favorite meal or using the TV remote.
- Challenges in communication, including trouble finding words or following conversations.
- Changes in mood, personality, or behavior, such as increased anxiety, depression, or irritability.
If you notice these signs, it is important to gather observations and carefully consider your next steps. Early identification and intervention can make a significant difference in managing dementia.
How a Dementia Diagnosis Can Impact Someone
Receiving a dementia diagnosis can profoundly affect your loved one, both emotionally and mentally. It’s not uncommon for people to feel fear, uncertainty, or even shame after being diagnosed. This is why providing continuous reassurance and support is so important.
Additionally, a diagnosis often comes with practical challenges, such as adjusting to new daily routines, managing healthcare appointments, and planning for future care and needs. Your role in helping them adapt will be vital during this transitional time.
How to Approach Memory Concerns in a Loved One
Expressing concern can feel daunting. After all, it’s not an easy subject to bring up. To help guide you, here are steps for approaching memory and behavior concerns thoughtfully and respectfully:
- Observe and document any changes. Pay attention to specific examples of unusual behavior that concern you.
- Consider other factors. Stress, medication, or underlying health issues could also explain these changes.
- Start a conversation with care and empathy. Choose a good time and a quiet place. Statements like, “I noticed you’ve been forgetting things lately. How have you been feeling?” open the door for dialogue.
- Seek input from others. Have family or friends noticed similar changes?
- Encourage medical evaluation. Ensure that many conditions may cause these symptoms, and explain that a doctor can advise your loved one on the challenges they’re facing. Offer to accompany them to ease their anxiety.
Don’t be discouraged if the first conversation doesn’t go as planned. These discussions are often best approached with patience and understanding, which may take several tries.
Ways to Support a Loved One Showing Signs of Dementia
Caring for someone who may have dementia requires empathy, knowledge, and consistent support. Here are some vital steps you can take to make the transition smoother for both of you:
1. Learn About Dementia & Alzheimer’s
Educate yourself on the condition. Understand its progression and the behavioral changes it can involve. Talk to healthcare providers or explore reputable resources like alz.org to access guidance and educational tools.
When equipped with knowledge, you’ll feel more confident navigating daily challenges and knowing when to seek professional intervention.
2. Communicate Effectively
An adult shows their older parent information about memory care as part of an ongoing conversation on dementia care
Adjust your communication to be clear, calm, and reassuring:
- Be patient. Speak slowly and allow your loved one time to process.
- Use simple language with short sentences. Avoid overwhelming them with too much information at once.
- Focus on feelings, not facts. Correcting memory mistakes may lead to defensiveness. Instead, validate your loved one’s emotions and offer your support.
- Use non-verbal cues, like maintaining eye contact and offering a calming touch, to reinforce comfort and understanding.
3. Create a Supportive Environment
Set up your loved one’s daily environment in a way that enhances comfort and safety:
- Simplify their surroundings by removing unnecessary clutter to reduce confusion.
- Label essential items like drawers or cabinets to make it easier for them to locate things.
- Stick to a routine, as consistent habits can be grounding and reassuring.
- Introduce reminders and aids, such as calendars, note boards, or medication organizers, to support their independence.
4. Foster a Sense of Community
Combating isolation is crucial for people living with dementia.
- Encourage social engagement. Connect your loved one with local Alzheimer’s or dementia support groups to foster connection with others who understand their experience.
- Explore hobbies they enjoy and can still participate in, such as gentle gardening, painting, or listening to music.
- Rely on your support network, as caring for a loved one is a shared responsibility. Contact family, friends, or community programs to avoid caregiver burnout.
By building an environment of care, love, and patience, you can create a nurturing atmosphere where your loved one feels valued and supported.
Take the First Step Together
Helping a loved one who may be showing signs of dementia is a role filled with both challenges and immeasurable rewards. Remember, you’re not alone in navigating this experience.
At Kingston at Dupont, we offer comprehensive and compassionate memory care for those affected by Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s, and similar conditions. Contact us today to learn how our experienced and empathetic team works with our residents one-on-one to craft personalized care plans that meet their unique needs.
