Is it Dementia?

Many families ask this question when they are struggling with the early signs of dementia in their loved ones. Dementia is not a specific disease, but an overall group of conditions characterized by impairment of at least two brain functions such as memory loss and judgment. The definition of dementia is, “ a chronic or persistent disorder of the mental processes caused by brain disease or injury and marked by memory disorders, personality changes and impaired reasoning”.

There can be many signs that your loved one may have dementia. We encourage the understanding of small .

Examples are:

• short-term memory loss

• frequent moments of forgetfulness

• difficulty planning appointments

• increased confusion when traveling outside of their normal routine

 Dementia can be progressive, meaning the signs can start slow and gradually progress. If you notice a loved one showing signs of dementia, do not ignore. Begin doing research on what next steps may look like and look for support in your community. The Alzheimer’s Association is a great resource for family members and those who may have concerns about their own health. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help. The support is available and extremely important as you navigate this difficult path.