As our parents get older, we begin to worry about them all the time. It’s especially worrisome when we may identify early signs that mom is getting dementia. Dementia is a progressive degenerative disease that affects the parts of the brain responsible for memory, executive functioning, and any other processes responsible for adult daily living activities. As the brain gets older, or is burdened by poor lifestyle choices, trauma, infection, etc., these regions of the brain start to regress, therefore impacting functioning of that region of the brain. Unfortunately, dementia is not curable, and most patients’ disease gets so severe that important areas of the brain responsible for essential functions (I.e. breathing, cardiac function) begin to degenerate and stop functioning. This leads to the passing of those individuals. However, there are steps that can be taken to potentially slow down disease, if you suspect or notice early signs that mom is getting dementia.

Memory loss affecting everyday life

Memory loss with age is very normal. However, when this memory loss begins to seriously impede your mother’s way of life, then it may be time to consider reaching out for help. Forgetting the name of someone or something is normal. However, if your mother begins to constantly misplace her keys and have trouble finding them, or goes out to the store and can’t find their way home, these are more serious signs of memory loss. This progression of the disease can be especially complicated if mom still works because she may forget how to do her job.

Pay close attention to your loved ones so you can spot the difference between age-related forgetfulness (which is normal) and forgetfulness that is so constant and severe, it makes it hard for your mother to continue living life uninterrupted. You can show your mother pictures of family members she sees often like you, siblings, grandchildren, etc. You can also ask questions about where certain buildings are that she frequents to see if her geographic memory is intact. Even child-games designed to develop memory can help you assess your mother’s mental state.

Confusion or trouble completing normal activities

Confusion is another early sign that mom has dementia, especially confusion with normal and mundane activities. Procedural memory is the type of memory in your brain that stores movements or “how to” memories. Therefore, if this begins to wither away, then your mother may have trouble completing normal tasks. If she is overwhelmed at the grocery store because she has no idea where anything is and can’t begin to figure it out, this may be a sign for you to pay closer attention. If the remote, washing machine, or any other household items cause distress, then it may also be a sign to observe your mother for dementia.

Withdrawal from social or professional opportunities

Social involvement, or lack thereof, can be a very clear, early sign of dementia. If your mother normally has a moderate to robust social life, but you notice her abruptly drop off, then something more serious may be going on underneath. This may be even more noticeable if your mother is still working, but declines to participate in any social or professional activities. Socializing can be difficult, especially when names are difficult to remember, as well as topics of the conversations. This can be frustrating and deter those individuals from wanting to engage or interact.

Even if you’re not around your mother that often, you can probe for information while asking questions about her social life, and how often she has participated in social or professional events. If the answer is drastically different without any other obvious cause, then definitely keep an eye out for other signs.

Problem solving or planning issues

Lack of problem solving abilities is very apparent in dementia because of the degeneration of the frontal lobe. The frontal lobe is responsible for executive functioning which includes working memory, problem solving and planning. Your mother’s difficulty solving the daily crossword is not something to worry about. However, if you notice any issues with trying to create a schedule, following a recipe, paying bills, etc. these could be signs of cerebral degeneration.

It would be a really good idea, if you suspect that she is having trouble planning on how to pay her bills or any other tasks that involve numbers, to check in quite often and make sure that she still has all necessary amenities to live. In addition to checking on her ability to keep up with independent living, it may also be a good idea to reach out for help.

Poor judgement or visuospatial miscues

Visuospatial and judgement are the abilities to determine where things are in space and proceed with movement. This skill is essential for tasks such as driving, walking, moving around. When this skill is lacking, however, then there can be some detrimental consequences. For example, if your mother gets into many car accidents or minor incidents, then she may be having trouble with her judgement or visuospatial cues. If she drops things a lot, or experiences many falls that seem without cause, then perhaps her sense of balance and where she is in space has been negatively impacted.

Changes in mood or personality

Mood or personality changes can be associated with many psychiatric disorders, however, they can also be early signs that mom is getting dementia. The frontal lobe is also the personality zone, meaning that temperament, demeanor, mood are all housed in that area of the brain. When the brain starts to recede in these areas, so too goes the ability to control personality and stabilize mood. This change may be gradual, so it will be difficult to catch while it’s happening. However, this change can also be quite heartbreaking to friends and family who are confused by the sudden outbursts and change in personality. Sometimes dementia patients stay in an altered state, personality, developmental stage, etc. for extended periods of time, only having moment of lucidness.

If you suspect or observe any of the above changes in your mother, please be sure to reach out to us so we can assist you with the next step.