Some forgetfulness is a normal part of growing older, but it’s important to be aware of changes in your loved one’s memory and signs of a more serious memory loss condition. If your loved one has a degenerative condition like Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, an early diagnosis can give you and your loved one time to develop a long-term care plan that honors their care wishes. Below are three common signs to look for.

Short-Term Memory Changes

While some forgetfulness is to be expected, repeatedly forgetting things can be an indicator of a more serious condition. If you notice that your loved one seems to be having more trouble than normal remembering where they put their keys, why they entered a room, or recent events like seeing you that morning or plans you made together, it could be a sign, and you should watch closely for other indicators.

Trouble Finding the Right Words

Everybody stumbles over finding the right words once in a while, but for a person with a memory loss disease, this may be much more pronounced. Your loved one may even have trouble carrying on a conversation because of the difficulty of finding the words they’re looking for. According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, other language issues to look for include your loved one asking the same question repeatedly, having trouble remembering the names of family and friends, and repeating stories and other information.

Behavioral Changes

Sudden changes to your loved one’s personality are often another sign that something’s not right. According to the Mayo Clinic, these changes can include anxiety, paranoia, depression, and socially inappropriate behaviors, as well as sudden mood swings and physical aggression. You might also notice your loved one not seeming to care about personal appearance, no longer bathing, and insisting on wearing the same clothes every day.

If your loved one shows any of these signs of a memory loss disease, make an appointment with their doctor or a specialist. In some cases, memory issues may be due to a treatable medical condition or even an emotional problem, but only a medical professional can correctly diagnose the cause of your loved one’s memory loss. If your loved one is diagnosed with dementia, a supportive memory care community like Brightwater Senior Living may be a great option. Visit our website to learn more about life at Brightwater.