When a senior loved one starts experiencing difficulty with his or her memory, it can be challenging for family members to sit by the sidelines. If you’re wondering how you can help, learn about the symptoms to know when to seek dementia care for your relative. Here are a few early signs of cognitive decline to keep on your radar.

The Early Signs of Dementia

1. Trouble Solving Problems

If your loved one is experiencing memory lost, he or she may have difficulty understanding the intricacies of a situation and how he or she impact the outcome. For instance, picking something to wear can be challenging, as your loved one may not remember where he or she is going or which social norms dictate the dress code of the event. If you noticed your senior parent has difficulty solving simple problems, gently ask him or her about how often it happens—a high frequency may indicate the need for assistance.

2. Tardiness

Seniors experiencing memory loss may have trouble processing information quickly. This often manifests as tardiness, as it can be challenging to calculate what time they should leave the house. Memory loss can also make it difficult to remember locations, directions, and visual cues. If your parent is still driving, take a ride with him or her to determine if he or she is missing cutoffs and turns.

3. Misplacing Belongings

Pay attention to how often your loved one talks about misplacing frequently used items throughout the day. Dementia is different from traditional forgetfulness—this form of memory loss is progressive, and it’ll decline over time. While losing the keys or misplacing the remote control is normal, frequent occurrences may signal the need for professional help.

If you’ve noticed any of these signs, it may be time to seek dementia care from the team at Bethany St. Joseph Corporation in La Crosse, WI. The corporation’s care centers have provided their residents with attentive, compassionate care for over 40 years. Their caregivers and nurses have experience addressing conditions that come with age, including dementia. To get more information about their services, visit the website or call (608) 788-5700.