Hopefully this summer you have enjoyed the outdoors and more time with family including your parents. As your parents grow older gracefully, you should also be aware of signs of dementia to help them stay safe while still living out their years with purpose and grace. It is common for aging adults to experience memory loss. However, when does that memory loss cross the line of natural aging to dementia? Below are some signs that you should not ignore and make sure you are mindful of your aging parents when it comes to mental health.

6 Signs You Should Not Ignore 

1. Memory Loss. Most people forget a little more as they age, but can recall something later in the day. However, memory loss is when you cannot recall what happened that day or something you just learned, such as dates or events, and is a sign to cause alarm. Memory loss is a common sign of dementia and aging so pay attention if it is just natural brief memory loss or is this something that is a bit more long term and more frequent. 
2. Time Confusion. If mom or dad has a difficult time remembering where they are or the time of day, that is a concern for you to take notice and monitor if it gets more severe or if you need to take action now. Confusion about time and place can be the sign you need to get mom or dad in assisted living to help them be safe and still live a full purposeful life.
3. Difficulty Making Decisions or Solving Problems. Oftentimes many older adults have difficulties remembering tasks they perform or do on a regular basis. However, when daily tasks, like making coffee or operating a television remote become cumbersome or impossible to remember how to do, that is an issue. Also, if mom or dad cannot concentrate on simple tasks long enough to finish them, that is another possible sign their memory loss is more than an aging issue. There are several memory tests available to help your aging parents see how or if they score on the spectrum of dementia.
4. Misplacing Things. How many times have you left something in the wrong place? It happens! However, when you constantly cannot remember where your keys are or where you put your toothbrush, that is a problem. A very common sign to dementia is not recalling where the very basics items are in your home or surroundings that you usually use on a daily basis.
5. No Desire to Socialize. It is very typical for someone with dementia to withdraw from social circles. What once was considered fun, such as going to a sporting event or coffee with friends or even going to church, is now difficult and not of interest. Another social sign is if mom or dad quit talking or engaging with family or friends. Staying social is very important in life and especially in aging adults. However, if you notice mom or dad not engaging socially on a more consistent basis, chances are they could have some form of dementia. 
6. Mood Swings and General Hygiene. If your loved one becomes increasingly bitter, anxious, angry, or you notice they are not bathing or properly taking care of themselves, it is a big sign, and DO NOT ignore. Dementia tends to affect the mood and general care of one’s self. This is usually a sign that adult daughters and sons notice first and they need to get involved to help mom or dad.

Overall, there are many signs of dementia and there are many types of dementia. You want the best for your aging parents, so you need to be aware of the common signs and make sure mom or dad are safe and feel secure and cared for by you or other caregivers. If you need help placing mom or dad in assisted living or determining the best place for them to age gracefully and with purpose, contact Ann at Senior Living Options and she will guide you in the right direction. She has years of experience helping families with their aging loved ones.

Author: Ann Jamison

Ann Jamison is an experienced senior advisor who has successfully worked with hundreds of families to help them find the best care and home-like environment for themselves or their loved ones. Prior to launching Senior Living Options, Ann was an eldercare advisor for a national placement agency and served as sales director at a senior living community. Thanks to her 25-year career in advertising sales and marketing, Ann is able to discern between hype and reality for her clients. Ann recognizes that there are objective factors that need to be weighed when making a life-changing decision, but she can also assess the important softer attributes by getting to know her clients and by using the gut instincts that can only come through extended experience.