What to do if you think your parent has dementia

If your aging parent is experiencing increasing forgetfulness or difficulty with thinking, these may be early signs of dementia. Dementia is a progressive, irreversible condition that develops slowly over time. If you suspect your parent has dementia, it’s crucial to consult their doctor promptly.

What is Dementia?

Dementia is not a single disease but an umbrella term for a set of symptoms, including memory loss and issues with thinking and reasoning. It occurs when brain cells (neurons) stop connecting properly and eventually die.

While dementia commonly affects older people, particularly those over 75, it is not a normal part of aging. Many individuals live well into their 90s without developing dementia.

Recognising the Symptoms of Dementia

As an adult child, it’s important to be aware of early warning signs of dementia in your parent:

• Memory Loss: Frequent forgetfulness that disrupts daily life, unlike occasional lapses such as misplacing keys.
• Disorientation: Confusion about dates, seasons, or locations. They might forget the passage of time or believe they are in a different period of their life.
• Communication Difficulties: Struggling to find the right words, often using phrases instead, such as calling a clock “the thing that tells time.”
• Personality Changes: Noticeable changes in mood and behaviour over several months, such as unexpected anger over minor issues.
• Misplacing Items: Regularly putting items in unusual places, like a phone in the fridge, and having difficulty retracing steps.
• Poor Judgment: Dressing inappropriately for the weather or repeatedly falling victim to scams.
• Difficulty with Daily Tasks: Struggling with familiar activities, such as navigating previously well-known routes.

What is Not Dementia?

It’s important to note that some conditions can mimic dementia symptoms but are reversible with treatment. These include medication side effects, stress, depression, anxiety, head injuries, blood clots, brain infections, tumours, and issues with the thyroid, kidneys, or liver.

How is Dementia Diagnosed?

If you observe changes in your parent’s thinking or behaviour, schedule a visit with their family GP. A GP can diagnose dementia and in some cases, a referral to a dementia clinic may be necessary.

The diagnosis process may involve:

• Medical History: To determine if dementia runs in the family and assess current medications.
• Neuropsychological Tests: To evaluate memory and cognitive functions.
• Laboratory Tests: To check vitamin and hormone levels.
• Brain Scans: Such as CT or MRI, to detect strokes or tumours.

Discussing memory concerns with your parent can be challenging. Some may be relieved to talk about their worries, while others might react defensively or with anger. Approach the topic gently, using terms like “memory problems” instead of “dementia,” especially before a diagnosis is made.

If your parent resists seeing a doctor, suggest the visit under the pretext of a routine checkup. You can also discuss your concerns with the doctor’s office and ask them to call your parent to arrange an appointment.

How We Care Group Can Help

At We Care Group, we provide a supportive environment for older adults diagnosed with dementia. Our experienced care colleagues offer comprehensive care tailored to all stages of dementia in our award-winning homes.

Our team is trained to handle symptoms such as incontinence, wandering, and agitation with compassion and patience, ensuring your loved one remains calm and comfortable.

Families trust We Care Group for our dependable dementia care homes. If you are concerned that a loved one may be showing signs of dementia, please contact us to find out how we can assist you.