By Joey Parker, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC, jparker@parkerwellness.com
When Jennifer noticed that her mother had been more irritable and less empathetic during the holidays, she assumed that it was just stress related or she was “just having a rough time” since her husband had passed. But others had noticed that Jennifer’s mother was repeating questions that she had just asked and was losing her train of thought mid-conversation. Don’t we all have times when we can’t find the right word to use or forget to take that new medication in the morning? Jennifer brushed it off as insignificant, which is easy to do.
Jennifer’s experience is common. Early dementia often develops gradually, and the warning signs can be subtle. Because of this, families frequently dismiss the early changes as simple forgetfulness or “just getting older.”
While occasional forgetfulness can be a normal part of aging, certain patterns may signal a deeper problem.
One early sign is repeating questions or stories frequently, sometimes within the same conversation. Another common indicator is difficulty managing familiar tasks, such as paying bills, following a recipe, or managing medications. People may also begin misplacing items in unusual places – for example, putting keys in the refrigerator or leaving a wallet in a laundry basket.
Changes in navigation and spatial awareness can also appear early. Someone who once drove confidently around town may start getting lost in familiar areas or become anxious about driving.
Families may also notice changes in judgment or personality. A normally cautious person might make unusual financial decisions, become more withdrawn socially, or show unexpected irritability or confusion.
Unfortunately, early dementia is frequently overlooked during routine medical visits. Short office appointments often focus on immediate medical concerns, and subtle cognitive changes may not be obvious in a brief conversation. In many cases, individuals can temporarily compensate or “mask” their symptoms during a short clinic visit.
That is why a more comprehensive evaluation can be helpful when memory concerns arise. Allowing a professional to gather collateral information from family members and even observing someone in their own home environment – where daily routines, medications, finances, and safety issues become clearer – can provide valuable insight into cognitive functioning.
Early evaluation matters. Some conditions that resemble dementia may actually be treatable, such as medication side effects, sleep problems, depression, or vitamin deficiencies. When dementia is present, identifying it early allows families to begin treatment, plan for the future, and implement strategies that can help maintain independence longer.
For families who notice persistent changes in memory, behavior, or problem-solving, it may be time to seek a professional cognitive assessment. Recognizing the signs early can make a meaningful difference for both individuals and the loved ones who care for them.
Joey Parker, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and owner of Parker Wellness, has more than 30 years of mental health experience, providing evaluations and treatment including inpatient and outpatient (including in-home services). He can be reached at 865-567-9517 or jparker@parkerwellness.com.