If you’re concerned that your mom, dad or other loved one might be experiencing memory loss, here are a few things to be on the lookout for. 
Earlier this year, Healthline published 10 early signs of dementia that you can be on the lookout for if you think one of your parents is headed toward Alzheimer’s or another memory loss disease. Check out the full list here.
Similarly, the Alzheimer’s Association has compiled a list of 10 signs of Alzheimer’s. Some of the symptoms are summarized below.
Changes in short-term memory: This can be subtle, often manifesting itself as a lack of ability to recall simple things from the recent past, such as what your mom ate for breakfast or bought at the grocery store.
Misplacing items: Maybe your dad puts things in unusual places, or maybe he loses the ability to retrace his steps to find things. He may even accuse others of taking things from him.
Challenges with communication: Maybe your loved one has recently found it difficult to find the right words to convey their thoughts. Maybe conversations with them are much more of a struggle than they used to be.
Confusion: As someone’s memory fades, he or she can be left quite confused. Why is this person saying that we met yesterday? What am I supposed to be doing after lunch? What time am I supposed to feed the cat, and how much?
Directional difficulties: The onset of dementia often brings with it a deterioration of the person’s sense of direction and spatial orientation, according to the Healthline authors. Maybe your mom suddenly can’t seem to follow familiar directions, or maybe she no longer recognizes old landmarks. Step-by-step directions also can become more difficult.
Repetition: As short-term memory fades, the ability to remember what has just been done, naturally, goes with it. Someone at the onset of dementia may repeat daily tasks, such as taking the dog outside or shaving.
If you’ve seen any of these signs in your mom or dad, or if you’re worried about how he or she might be getting along in daily life, give Take My Hand a call. When a loved one needs help with daily living needs, home is the most comfortable and convenient place for them. Especially when they’re dealing with memory loss. Our caregivers provide kind, loving companion and home-care services throughout Whatcom County.
Also, be sure to check out this fantastic conference coming to Whatcom County in October. It’s the Alzheimer Society of Washington’s 30th Annual Fall Conference. Keynote Speaker Teepa Snow is an incredible resource. Conference topics include seeing dementia from everyone’s point of view and understanding dementia symptoms and behaviors. The conference will take place Oct. 21, 2016, at the Silver Reef Hotel and Conference Center in Ferndale.
