Understanding Dementia

Early Warning Signs of Dementia Every Family Should Recognize

Dementia is a common disease, yet its early signs can be tricky to spot. Find out what you should be watching for with this guide.

“Memory is the diary we all carry about with us,” Oscar Wilde famously said. But what happens when the ink in that  diary begins to fade?

Sadly, about once every three seconds, somebody in the world is diagnosed with dementia.

Though this condition is often associated solely with forgetfulness, the reality is that it’s far more complex and impactful than just that. Understanding the early signs (and acting promptly) can make all the difference for both seniors and their families.

Early Signs Every Family Should Know

Dementia is not a single disease but rather a catch-all term for a range of conditions affecting cognitive function, including memory, reasoning, and the ability to perform daily tasks. It’s often mistaken for normal aging, but this assumption can delay much-needed action.

Currently, over 55 million people worldwide live with dementia, making it one of the most prevalent conditions among older adults.

Unfortunately, dementia’s early signs don’t always jump out at you. They often creep in subtly, masquerading as common signs of aging. That’s why so many people chalk them up to “just getting older.” Knowing what to look for, though, is half the battle.

Start by paying attention to short-term memory changes. Is your loved one suddenly forgetting conversations or struggling to recall names they’ve always known? Confusion with time or place is another red flag—like arriving somewhere at the wrong time or getting lost on a once-familiar route.

Struggling with daily tasks can also signal trouble. Maybe your mom, who once whipped up a perfect Sunday roast, now gets stuck halfway through the recipe.

And take note of mood or behavior changes. Are they more irritable or withdrawn? Struggling to communicate? These shifts aren’t just personality quirks—they’re clues that something deeper may be going on.

Of course, none of these signs alone confirm dementia, but a combination of them over time warrants further attention. Spotting these clues early could be the first step toward helping them maintain independence for as long as possible.

Why Acting Early Helps Everyone

Think of early action as your family’s best defense against the unknown. The sooner you act on those early signs, the more opportunities you have to create a meaningful care plan.

Medications or therapies are important too, as they can slow the progression, but early diagnosis is also about creating a path forward with hope intact.

ead of dementia’s impact also reduces caregiver stress. Being prepared means fewer surprises along the way, which makes the road a little smoother for everyone.

Beyond logistics, acting early strengthens your ability to preserve family connections and make sure those key moments together remain as meaningful as possible.

Finding Help and Support

Caring for someone with dementia isn’t a solo act, nor should it be. The emotional toll can be heavy, especially when you don’t know where to turn. That’s why understanding and compassionate care aren’t just gestures— they’re lifelines.

Start by equipping yourself with knowledge. Learn about dementia’s impacts, and arm yourself with strategies for providing care. Engaging with local support groups can also help; hearing from others in similar situations reminds you that you’re not alone in this.

For a more specialized approach, resources like memory care programs and communities are invaluable. At Priority Life Care, we’re here to help families find peace and clarity through tailored memory care. Whether it’s understanding the next steps or finding the right community, our professional guidance and care options will help you make the best choices for your loved one.

Take the Next Step Toward Peace of Mind

You’ve seen the signs. You’ve started asking questions. Now it’s time to act. Priority Life Care is here to provide expert insights and compassionate support to guide your family through this challenging time.

Contact us today to explore dementia care options that meet your unique needs. Peace of mind is just a conversation away.

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Extremely happy! My family member moved here earlier this year and we have nothing but ...
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Keri
Extremely happy! My family member moved here earlier this year and we have nothing but great things to say about the care, communication and compassion Tanglewood has for their residents. We were a bit nervous about moving our family member here, we had experienced an unpleasant environment with another assisted living community. Needless to say, we are beyond grateful for the wonderful team at Tanglewood. They have great communication and are always willing to go the extra mile to check on their residents. Highly recommend!!! I know that there are a lot of places people can choose from, hope they would pick Tanglewood.
Keri
Keri
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Morgan
We moved my grandmother here about a month ago and so far it's been wonderful. Jennifer gave us a great tour and all the information we needed and the rest of the staff has been very friendly towards my Grandmother and her dog. We are very happy we moved her to Tanglewood Trace!
Morgan
Morgan
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Angelica
My husband's favorite aunt was placed in this facility by her children, and I was very impressed with everything I saw when we visited. It was very clean and everyone was very polite and helpful. We were also glad to get updates from our family about how well the facility was handling the CoVID-19 pandemic. I know that my husband's cousins have been very happy and are not worried about their mother's health or well being while at Tanglewood, which says a lot with how crazy 2020 was. Overall, my husband and I are impressed with what we have experienced and heard, and we highly recommend this facility.
Angelica
Angelica
I think it is best to start with understanding that Tanglewood Trace handles not only ...
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Samuel
I think it is best to start with understanding that Tanglewood Trace handles not only Independent Living but also Assisted Living and Personal Care. I think the reviews really should be based on that aspect in mind. I speak with regard to Assisted Living. My great aunt spent 4 years at Tanglewood and without reservation I always felt exceptionally comfortable with the standard of care at this facility. I really enjoyed whenever I would visit my great aunt that the nurses and practitioners at the center would greet me by my name and always would ask me personally if my great aunt was happy with the care as she was not always so critical. Understanding within reason - the nurses and practitioners always would be honest as to when and how they could react to a concern I had on behalf of my aunt - and if reasonable we would see the results shortly after. Often my great aunt just wanted to have more towels on a different day or evening or even - more simply - ask for additional services with my help when I visited that would always be acknowledged. I highly recommend Tanglewood - proximity to Notre Dame and the University Park Mall were awesome benefits.
Samuel
Samuel
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Helene
I have so many positive things to say about the Tanglewood Trace team and caring experience that they provide...My parents in law moved from IOWA in early 2023 into Tanglewood's Assisted Living to be closer to family. The warm welcome that they received by the staff and the other residents was just the beginning of their positive experience. Tanglewood's diverse calendar of activities and entertainment, the lovely dining room and variety of daily tasty menu options as well as the personalized care that the staff provide are some of the many good things I can attest to. When my mother in law suffered some falls that resulted in a broken leg and surgery, the Tanglewood nursing caregivers and therapy department rallied to assist her through her healing journey, and she continues to improve with their support. When my father in law's cancer recently became critical and he needed hospice care, Tanglewood's knowledgeable, accessible and caring Executive Director and Director of Nursing as well as numerous caregivers guided and supported us in keeping him in his AL apartment with my mother in law. He was able to pass away with dignity with both hospice and Tanglewood's diverse team (nursing, dietary, maintenance, housekeeping, and other caregivers) working collaboratively. My husband and I were by his side, as was my mother in law, at Tanglewood, when he passed. The Tanglewood team surpassed our expectations beyond words throughout this journey. We are grateful to have my recently widowed mother in law living there, where we can continue to visit her in this next chapter. Thank you again to the Tanglewood family of caregivers and to the numerous caring residents that are watching over my dear mother in law.
Helene
Helene

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