Alzheimer’s and Dementia FAQ: Is It Dementia or Just Normal Aging?

As your loved one gets older, you might find yourself looking and listening for any signs that they are having challenges while living at home. For many adult children, they pay very close attention to their older loved one’s cognitive skills. If you are wondering if you are seeing early signs of dementia in your loved one or if it is just normal aging, you aren’t alone. At Lovebird HomeCare, we work with families across Illinois and Indiana who are wondering the same thing.

Here are a few of our most commonly asked questions when it comes to determining if your loved one is showing signs of early dementia or normal aging. While everyone is unique, these questions and answers might be able to guide you to schedule a follow-up physician appointment or make a call to our team to set up support services.

Should I be worried if my loved one is always forgetting my son’s name?

Occasional forgetfulness is common, but if it affects daily life, it could be something more serious.

Occasional word-finding challenges are common for anyone of any age. In fact, you might have even noticed that you need an extra moment to find the right word or name when in a conversation with a friend. This is normal.

If your loved one occasionally forgets your son’s name or needs to go through a few other grandchild names before they get to your son’s, it is most likely normal. However, if your loved one consistently forgets your son’s name or refers to him as another name from the past, it could be a sign of dementia and you should follow up with your physician.

Why can’t my loved one remember where she puts things?

Have you ever misplaced your smartphone or had to leave the house in a rush because you were searching for your missing keys? Misplacing or losing items every once in a while is normal. In fact, misplacing items often can still be normal if it is an issue of organization (for example, always put your keys in the same place when you come home).

However, if your loved one is misplacing items all day long, or if searching for lost items is taking up a large portion of the day or causing her anxiety, it could be a sign of dementia and you should follow up with a physician visit. The Alzheimer’s Association notes that any forgetfulness, judgment issue, or confusion that disrupts daily life is often a sign of dementia and should be pursued with a medical professional.

Should I be concerned if my loved one is just not himself lately?

Everyone has bad days, but if you notice your loved one is more depressed or anxious than usual, it’s time to chat with their physician. Depression and anxiety are not always an indicator of dementia. In fact, seniors are generally more vulnerable to mental health challenges as they get older. However, if you notice that their anxiety significantly increases in the late afternoon or early evening hours, it could be a symptom of dementia and you should follow up accordingly.

Dementia can also cause personality changes that don’t necessarily include depression or anxiety. If you notice that your loved one is grouchier than usual or has a shorter fuse than normal, it could be time to talk to a medical professional about it.

Why can’t my loved one manage their own bills anymore?

Complex, multi-step tasks that require work over an extended period of time can be very challenging for someone living with cognitive decline. If you notice that your loved one simply cannot keep up with paying their bills or managing their budget any longer, it could be a sign of early-stage dementia. Again, use the rule of thumb from the Alzheimer’s Association that tells us that any forgetfulness, judgment issue, or confusion that disrupts daily life should be brought up to a physician.

As your loved one ages, they will face physical and cognitive challenges that could make you worry. Fortunately, when you have the right support system in place, you can rest assured they are receiving the assistance they need to stay healthy and safe. The team at Lovebird HomeCare provides personalized services in the home designed to meet your loved one’s specific abilities and challenges. Call us today to talk more about your situation and learn how we can help. 

Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia FAQ: Is My Loved One Safe at Home?

The World Health Organization reports that approximately 50 million people around the world are living with some type of dementia. Here in America, the Alzheimer’s Association reports that more than 6 million Americans currently have a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, though that number is even higher when you include other types of dementia. What does all of this mean? It means if your loved one has recently been diagnosed with dementia, you are certainly not alone even if it feels like it sometimes.

Here at Lovebird HomeCare, we have the honor of working with family members around the Chicago suburbs and South Bend area who are trying to advocate for their loved ones who are living with dementia. We have found that perhaps the most common question we get always includes the topic of safety.

Alzheimer’s Disease and Safety

It’s no wonder why family members are concerned about the safety of their loved ones. Dementia affects multiple parts of the brain, making decision-making and judgment calls too complex for those even in the early stages of the disease. Safety while living at home alone or with a partner is more challenging for those trying to navigate dementia. Common concerns can include confusion, wandering off, becoming lost, wearing seasonally inappropriate clothing, and falling for financial scams.

Here’s the good news: finding the support of home care when you notice any red flags can prevent any major events or medical crises. Here are a few observations you might make that could point to potential safety concerns.

Expired Food in the Fridge

You can get an excellent view of how your loved one is living at home by paying close attention to their kitchen. Start in the fridge and cabinets. If you notice a lot of expired food, it could indicate that they are not able to pay attention to nutritional details. It can also point to them not eating often or well, which is all too common for those living with Alzheimer’s disease.

Recent Falls

The Centers for Disease Control reports that 1 in 4 seniors fall every year, though that number is likely higher since many falls are not reported. However, if your loved one has fallen in the past six months, it could indicate that in-home care services are warranted. Falls can happen to any senior, certainly, but those living with dementia can experience changes to cognition, balance, and visual interpretation that can increase the risk of falling during daily activities.

Increased Anxiety

Anxiety often arrives with dementia, particularly in the early and middle stages of the disease. This anxiety can cause restlessness which can sometimes lead to wandering inside and outside of the home. Your loved one might exhibit signs of anxiety any time of day, but the late afternoon and early evening hours can be especially intense.

General Confusion

One of the hallmarks of dementia is confusion and forgetfulness. While there are plenty of other challenges that come with the disease, confusion and forgetfulness are often the root causes for unsafe decisions or conditions. If you notice that your loved one is becoming increasingly confused, it is time to get them the support they need through home care services.

How Lovebird HomeCare Helps

Our team of caregivers is trained in dementia care best practices. Our personalized approach ensures every client is receiving the interventions and approaches they need to stay as healthy and as safe at home as possible. 

We can provide a consistent and calming presence to reduce anxiety, verbal cues and assistance to reduce falls, and nutritional support through meal preparation. Call us today so your loved one can receive the support they need at home. We would be honored to serve them.