Dementia doesn’t appear overnight. It creeps in, slowly changing how a person thinks, speaks, and interacts with the world.
At BrightStar Care of Louisville, we’re here to help you catch, manage, and monitor those signs. So whether you need a helping hand or a memory care expert, we’ve got your back.
In this article, let’s explore how you can be aware of your loved one’s needs and your options when it comes to dementia care.
Your mom might seem suddenly withdrawn or quick to anger. Your dad might lose interest in hobbies he once loved.
These mood changes can be tied to dementia and aren’t just random. They reflect changes in brain function and how your loved one processes the world around them.
For seniors, these aren’t just slips of the tongue. Dementia can cause changes in speech. These often appear early and can create frustration for the person speaking and those trying to follow along.
You might also notice loved ones:
But if your loved one starts mismanaging medication, forgetting to pay bills, or getting lost on the way to a familiar store, it's more than forgetfulness. These are daily living difficulties due to dementia, and they put your loved one at a real risk.
These signs and more can indicate the onset of dementia:
If the changes are becoming consistent, if safety is becoming a concern, or if your gut says something’s off, it’s time to talk to a professional.
When you should seek dementia care often comes down to three questions:
Early intervention dementia care often includes medication, therapy, safety adjustments at home, and caregiver training. It also gives families more time to plan for what’s ahead, before the condition advances.
It’s not about rushing into big decisions. It’s about keeping your loved one as independent and supported as possible.
Dementia care resources can be found in many places, such as:
Whether you need short-term help or long-term planning, these services are there to lift the burden and keep your loved one safe.
Seeking professional dementia care isn’t giving up: it’s stepping up, ensuring your loved one has the right support while keeping your family strong and prepared. Reach out, take that first step forward with confidence: we’d love to show you how dementia care can make a difference.
BrightStar Care of Louisville is here to provide the resources and support you need to care for your loved one. Contact us today to learn more about our caregiving services! Our office is located at 406 Blankenbaker Parkway, Ste G, Louisville, KY, 40243. You may also call us at (502) 893-4700.
We look forward to hearing from you!
At BrightStar Care of Louisville, we’re here to help you catch, manage, and monitor those signs. So whether you need a helping hand or a memory care expert, we’ve got your back.
In this article, let’s explore how you can be aware of your loved one’s needs and your options when it comes to dementia care.
Early Signs of Dementia
Catching changes from dementia early can make a world of difference. Here’s what to keep an eye on:- Memory loss in elderly loved ones that disrupts daily routines.
- Confusion in seniors about time, place, or familiar faces.
- Mood changes, like increased irritability or apathy.
- Speech changes, like pausing mid-sentence, searching for simple words, or repeating phrases.
- Daily living difficulties, like trouble handling bills, cooking, or dressing appropriately.
Mood and Behavior Changes: More Than Just a Bad Day
One of the biggest misunderstandings about dementia symptoms is that they only affect memory. In reality, changes in personality or emotional response are some of the first things families notice.Your mom might seem suddenly withdrawn or quick to anger. Your dad might lose interest in hobbies he once loved.
These mood changes can be tied to dementia and aren’t just random. They reflect changes in brain function and how your loved one processes the world around them.
Communication and Speech: When Words Get Stuck
Ever heard someone trail off mid-sentence and not return to their thought? Or mix up familiar words like “microwave” and “refrigerator”?For seniors, these aren’t just slips of the tongue. Dementia can cause changes in speech. These often appear early and can create frustration for the person speaking and those trying to follow along.
You might also notice loved ones:
- Struggling to follow conversations.
- Repeating questions often.
- Using vague terms like “that thing” instead of naming objects.
Trouble with Daily Life: Red Flags You Shouldn’t Ignore
It's normal to forget where you put your keys once in a while.But if your loved one starts mismanaging medication, forgetting to pay bills, or getting lost on the way to a familiar store, it's more than forgetfulness. These are daily living difficulties due to dementia, and they put your loved one at a real risk.
These signs and more can indicate the onset of dementia:
- Burnt food from forgotten meals.
- Missed appointments.
- Unwashed clothes piling up.
- Repeated purchases of the same item.
When to Seek Dementia Care and Get Support
So, when do these signs cross the line from “normal aging” to “something’s not right”?If the changes are becoming consistent, if safety is becoming a concern, or if your gut says something’s off, it’s time to talk to a professional.
When you should seek dementia care often comes down to three questions:
- Is their memory loss getting worse, not better?
- Are daily tasks becoming harder without help?
- Are you feeling overwhelmed as a caregiver?
Why Early Intervention in Dementia Matters
Acting early can slow progression and improve day-to-day living.Early intervention dementia care often includes medication, therapy, safety adjustments at home, and caregiver training. It also gives families more time to plan for what’s ahead, before the condition advances.
It’s not about rushing into big decisions. It’s about keeping your loved one as independent and supported as possible.
Where to Turn for Help: Dementia Support Services That Work
Looking for trustworthy dementia support services can feel like another challenge, but you’re not alone. There are resources available to help you navigate every step of the journey.Dementia care resources can be found in many places, such as:
- Home health agencies that specialize in memory care.
- Support groups for caregivers and families.
- Geriatric care managers who help coordinate services.
Whether you need short-term help or long-term planning, these services are there to lift the burden and keep your loved one safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if it’s dementia or just normal aging?
Normal aging may involve occasional forgetfulness. Dementia involves consistent memory problems, confusion, and noticeable behavior changes that interfere with daily life.Is there a specific test for diagnosing dementia?
Yes. Doctors use a combination of medical history, cognitive tests, lab work, and brain imaging to diagnose dementia and rule out other conditions.Can dementia symptoms be reversed?
Most forms of dementia are progressive and cannot be reversed, but early treatment and care can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.What’s the first step if I suspect my loved one has dementia?
Start by talking with their doctor. From there, you can connect with local dementia support services or memory care specialists. We’d love to work with you to find a care plan that supports your family.Contact BrightStar Care of Louisville!
The early signs of dementia are easy to miss, but powerful when recognized.Seeking professional dementia care isn’t giving up: it’s stepping up, ensuring your loved one has the right support while keeping your family strong and prepared. Reach out, take that first step forward with confidence: we’d love to show you how dementia care can make a difference.
BrightStar Care of Louisville is here to provide the resources and support you need to care for your loved one. Contact us today to learn more about our caregiving services! Our office is located at 406 Blankenbaker Parkway, Ste G, Louisville, KY, 40243. You may also call us at (502) 893-4700.
We look forward to hearing from you!