Is a Loved One Showing Signs of Memory Loss?

It is worrisome to notice changes in a spouse, parent or another loved one’s health. If those changes involve the person’s memory, thinking or behavior, it can be hard to know what to say or do. The Alzheimer’s Association explains while you may be unsure on how to best approach the issue, these changes could be a sign of a significant health concern. They offer the following advice on how to sort through the changes. 

The first thing is to think about what is causing your concern and how out of the norm is it for the person? Then consider what else may be going on in the person’s life such as changes in their physical health or other stress factors that could impact their mental state. Remember depression and diabetes can cause changes in a person’s mental acuity. 

Now take a look at the Alzheimer’s Association’s 10 warning signs of Alzheimer’s and other dementia diseases. Do these common signs seem to be in line with the type of things you are worrying about? If they do, you may want to enlist some help from other trusted family members or friends.

Start by asking them if they too have noticed any changes in the person’s behavior. If there is an agreement on something being amiss, experts say it is best if one or two people are selected for the task of discussing the problem with the person as a crowd may be too threatening.

Good coversation starters can be something like, “I have noticed some changes in you, is everything okay?,” or use a specific example of something troubling you have noticed the person doing. Offer to go to the doctor with the person; and if the first talk is not productive, try again. Keep in mind, the Alzheimer’s Association’s website has a lot of resources and support so take advantage of the help.

MorningStar at North Ridge offers compassionate memory care for those in the early onset of Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases right through to the most advanced stages.  Every aspect of our Albuquerque community is geared toward residents’ memory care from meaningful activities, trained caregivers, food service, security and more. Please contact us or visit our website for more information. 

MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity, and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us to learn more about the finest memory care in Albuquerque.