Signs of Dementia and Decline over the Holidays

The holiday season offers a time for togetherness and joy for many families, with festive meals and visits to out-of-town relatives. Those living with dementia and their caregivers, however, may find the holidays a stressful time, as the strains of this illness can complicate the celebrations.

If you provide care for a senior or visit a relative over the holidays, you may see early signs of dementia as your loved one struggles to remember the names of their grandchildren or make a beloved family recipe. 

What are the early signs of dementia, and how do you know if these signs warrant increased attention? Caring.com created this guide to highlight the signs of dementia you may see over the holidays to provide insight into what your senior is experiencing and help provide some joy in their life.

 

If you are visiting your loved one after a time away, the early signs of dementia may be more noticeable than if you see them on a daily basis. Symptoms do not always indicate the presence of this condition — some forgetfulness, for example, is a natural part of aging, and a loved one who has occasional memory lapses may not be experiencing dementia. 

If your senior experiences numerous signs of dementia, however, it may be time for them to visit their doctor. A diagnosis of dementia is not the end of the world. Seniors can live happy and fulfilling lives even when living with dementia. In many cases, they may do best in senior living facilities such as assisted living or memory care residences. These decisions are best made in conjunction with your loved one and their medical care team.

The Alzheimer's Association developed the following early signs of dementia to provide caregivers with factors to consider when they visit home during the holidays.

Memory loss is one of the most common early signs of dementia. Your loved one may forget dates, events, or the names of people close to them. They may increasingly need to rely on memory aids such as notes and lists. 

Memory loss affects everyone differently, but older memories are likely to remain firmly in their minds, while newer information can be challenging to remember. Examples might include forgetting how to make a favorite holiday treat or struggling to recall the names of family members.

Older individuals may start having difficulty resolving common problems or tasks. They might forget how they have always decorated the house for the holidays or struggle with paying bills each month. Watch how your senior handles the simple tasks of everyday life, like dressing to go outside in snowy weather, to help you determine if such tasks are challenging for them.

Your loved one's orientation in time and space may be compromised, which can lead them to become lost more easily, even in familiar places. You might see them become disoriented, for example, when shopping for gifts in the mall. 

Holiday trips to visit family members or friends may also leave them confused. They might also show up to appointments on the wrong day or time. Frequently losing keys or forgetting why they came into a room may also be signs of dementia, but these are common occurrences among people of all ages.

Older individuals may struggle to find the names of objects or have trouble judging distances when walking up and down stairs or toward a doorway. They may have trouble telling one coin from another when counting money. 

Loud background noise or crowds can exacerbate these experiences, making simple tasks more challenging. New routines and the changing schedules that often mark holiday plans can be difficult for your senior to grasp. Tasks they would normally have little difficulty with may become more challenging in an unfamiliar environment or around new people.

Your loved one may be less capable of making informed decisions, which can lead them to ignore previously common tasks. They may neglect to have the oil changed regularly in their car or forget to tend to personal grooming habits, for example.

Changes in mood or withdrawal from activities that they normally enjoy may be especially noticeable during the holidays. They may be less enthusiastic than usual about attending family gatherings or holiday celebrations and parties. 

Despite the season, they may seem down, withdrawn, and exhibit moodiness or irritability. An interest in intimacy or closeness with their partner can be affected, as well. It's possible they may meet the season with grief rather than the expected excitement or joy.

It's hard to see someone, especially a loved one like a parent or grandparent, begin to display signs that could point toward dementia — but small changes in behavior may be nothing more than normal signs of aging. If you suspect that your senior is beginning to show signs of dementia, however, consider the following steps:

• Understand the warning signs. Our list above is a good place to start, and organizations such as the Alzheimer's Association offer online guides and information to help you learn about the illness and its symptoms.
• Observe and document their behavior. Make a note of instances such as mood swings or forgetfulness. This log may be useful for any doctor seeking to help diagnose your loved one's issues.
• Keep your family informed. Make sure other family members know what you've observed, and see if they have the same concerns. It's important to have all family members on the same page when arranging for your loved one's care.
• Talk to them. Share your concerns in a loving manner and suggest that they visit their doctor to help determine what's going on. Offer to go with them, and always remain encouraging and positive. 
• Be patient. Remember that dementia can lead to irritability and denial. Your loved one may realize something is wrong and be frightened. Although you may feel frustration or anger, try not to show these emotions when you're with them.
• Consider their living situation. If your loved one is still living in their own home, they may become a danger to themselves or others as symptoms worsen over time. Depending on their physical health, they may be happier in a residence where they receive more care, whether that's an independent living facility, a nursing home, or some other type of senior living space.
• Take care of yourself. Caregiving is a tough and challenging job. Whether you are the primary caregiver or an auxiliary support person, try not to let worry over their care affect your own health.

As you work through the issues in partnership with your senior and their medical team, there may also be opportunities for you to talk to them about other pertinent issues, such as estate planning or end-of-life care. 

Caring.com research has shown that only 32 percent of Americans surveyed have a will, although having a written will may be the best way to ensure that your loved one's wishes are known and abided by after their passing. 

Talking about topics like this can be challenging, so choose a time when your senior is comfortable and relaxed to bring it up. Express your loving concern for their well-being, and remind them that you just want to be sure you are handling the situation as they wish you to. Consider bringing up healthcare directives or living wills to ensure their care aligns with their wishes and beliefs.

Holiday times may be hectic and chaotic, and they can be hard for individuals who are suffering from the early stages of dementia. If you observe worrying signs in a loved one, such as forgetfulness or mood swings, it may be time to gently suggest they see a doctor. The good news is that individuals with dementia can live full and satisfying lives, so it's important to get them the diagnosis they need to determine how best to manage their care going forward.

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