Recently my mom was trying to tell a funny story about her vacation adventures. She had returned home just a few days before from her trip, and we were visiting. For a brief moment, mom got a little confused and could not remember who they went with on the trip or where they went. She stood up and went to get a drink of water, and she left her glass in the refrigerator, only to go back and try to remember what she forgot.

The above story seems common as our parents age, but sometimes it is more than natural memory loss.

How can I tell? What should I do?

First and foremost, before sharing some of the common signs, you need to understand what dementia is exactly. According to the National Institute on Aging, dementia constitutes “losing your cognitive functioning such as thinking, remembering and reasoning.” Dementia also affects behavior, too, and can cause you not to be able to do everyday tasks that you usually do. So how do I know if mom has dementia?

6 Signs That Mom Might Have Dementia

1. Memory Loss. Just like the above story about mom, memory loss about something recent such as dates, people or where basic things are can be an early sign of dementia. As we age many of us forget things more quickly, but with dementia it is more than that. With age, you tend to recall the events later, but with dementia that is not the case.
2. Misplacing Things. As mom ages, she can misplace things, but when you cannot recall where things are constantly, it is frustrating and a sign something is just not right. Oftentimes with dementia, when a loved one forgets where things are located, they tend to think they were robbed.
3. Confusion About Time and Places. With dementia, mom got confused about time and place. Who exactly traveled with her? She became bewildered and upset trying to recall the recent information. More often than not, dementia causes the person to not understand time, forget where they are or where they have been.
4. Difficulty Solving a Problem. With dementia you will notice that mom might have difficulty with directions when driving or cooking. This is a sign things are slipping cognitively. This could also be dangerous if the dementia progresses.
5. Struggling with Everyday Tasks. Everyday tasks feel like second nature unless you have dementia. Then making a cup of coffee or operating your computer or TV can be a challenge.
6. Problems Speaking or Socially Withdrawn. When mom has problems speaking or understanding the conversation, it can be a sign of the onset of dementia. It becomes difficult to speak and engage when you cannot remember what the topic is or who you are addressing. It makes conversations challenging and can lead to withdrawing socially. Not only is speaking and engaging difficult but their handwriting could be deteriorating as well.

 

If mom or dad have any of the signs above, it is pretty concerning and could indicate that they have dementia.

What Do You Do Now?

First, contact your doctor and discuss what is going on with you memory. If you want to try to combat your memory loss do the following to help you:

1. Learn a new skill like piano.
2. Stay active in activities that involve your mind and body.
3. Volunteer at church or the local school and read to children or adults.
4. Spend time with friends and family, as socialization is great medicine for everything.
5. Use the memory tools that you used to use, like a calendar or a to-do list.
6. Put your everyday items like your keys, wallet, and purse in the same place every day.
7. Stay Active and eat healthy.
8. REST, REST, and REST some more. Rest is good for the mind and many other aging ailments.
9. Don’t imbibe in lots of alcohol or sugars.
10. Feeling Depressed? GET HELP!

 

There are no cures for dementia, but you can do many things to keep it from progressing into something more severe that limits your independent living. For more information on memory care or assistance, call Ann at Senior Living Options. She is always ready to help you care for your aging loved ones.