Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsReview Warning SignsTalk With OthersTalk to Your Loved OneContact a Healthcare Provider
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Review Warning Signs
Talk With Others
Talk to Your Loved One
Contact a Healthcare Provider
If you suspect your loved one may haveAlzheimer’s diseaseor another form of dementia, it can be hard to know what to do. It can be a touchy subject to raise, and you need to think carefully about what to say and when to say it.
This article will help you learn to recognize the signs of Alzheimer’s disease in your loved one. It also offers advice on what to do if you think someone you love might be affected.
D. Anschutz / Getty Images
Review the Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer’s disease has a few distinct warning signs. Watch out for these changes in behavior and thinking that may indicate your loved one is in the early stages of the disease.
Early Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease
Note especially if the changes you’re seeing are sudden. This may indicate adeliriumor other physical problem that could be reversed with treatment. In this situation, it’s critical for ahealthcare providerto evaluate your loved one as soon as possible.
If the symptoms have been developing gradually over time, they’re more likely to be related to dementiasuch as Alzheimer’s disease.
RecapSymptoms of dementia like memory problems, poor judgment, and personality changes develop gradually. Symptoms that come on suddenly may have other causes.
Recap
Symptoms of dementia like memory problems, poor judgment, and personality changes develop gradually. Symptoms that come on suddenly may have other causes.
Slower Walking in Older Adults Could Signal Early Dementia, According to Research
Talk With Close Family Members or Friends
Ask others who know your loved one if they’ve noticed any changes. Try to do this confidentially and respectfully to avoid upsetting your loved one.
Some people with early dementia become good at covering up their memory lapses. It can be harder for them to do this around those who know them well, however. It can be helpful to find out if others have noticed the same things you’ve been noticing. You may find they have the same concerns but weren’t sure if they should say anything.
Some people with early dementia are aware of their memory problems. They may have noticed lapses and might be relieved to talk about it. Others may become angry and defensive, and deny all concerns. What you know about your loved one will help you decide if you should take a direct or gentle approach.
When you do decide to talk to your loved one, be thoughtful. Choose a time of day when you think they might be most willing to listen.
Use “I” statements. For example, “I’m a little worried about you. I’m wondering how you’re doing. I thought I noticed you have a harder time lately with your memory. I was wondering if you’ve noticed the same thing.”
This approach can decrease your loved one’s defensiveness. It tends to be more effective than a statement like, “You seem to be having trouble with your memory.”
You also might want to avoid using the word “Alzheimer’s.” It’s an emotional word, and you don’t know for sure if this is what your loved one has. Instead, consider using words like “memory problems.”
RecapTalk to others who are close to your loved one to see if they’ve noticed similar symptoms. Take care when discussing what you’ve noticed with your loved one. Use “I” phrases like “I’m a little worried” and avoid using the word “Alzheimer’s.”
Talk to others who are close to your loved one to see if they’ve noticed similar symptoms. Take care when discussing what you’ve noticed with your loved one. Use “I” phrases like “I’m a little worried” and avoid using the word “Alzheimer’s.”
Persuade Your Loved One to See a Healthcare Provider
You may find that your loved one resists the idea of seeing a healthcare provider. If so, try reminding them that they need their annual check-up.
If you’re not able to get your loved one to see their healthcare provider, you could call yourself. Ask the office staff to contact your loved one to schedule a visit. If you have someone in your family who is more persuasive, ask them to step in. It could be that your loved one just needs to hear the idea from someone else.
You can also look into the possibility of a house call. In some communities, there are healthcare providers who will come to your loved one’s home.
Summary
Sit down with your loved one and use “I” statements. For example, you could say “I’ve noticed you might be having problems with your memory.”
Talk to your loved one about seeing a healthcare provider. If they resist, see if someone else in the family might be able to persuade them, or have your loved one’s healthcare provider call them to schedule an appointment.
A Word From Verywell
It’s normal to feel anxious about having this talk with a loved one. Memory problems and a possible dementia diagnosis can be very sensitive subjects. Provide plenty of reassurance to your loved one. Let the person know that you have their best interests in mind and that you’ll be there to provide support no matter the outcome.
Finally, remember there are benefits of early detection of Alzheimer’s disease. This can sometimes include better response to medications and other non-drug treatments.
3 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Alzheimer’s Association.What Is dementia?.Alzheimer’s Association.Approaching memory loss concerns.Harvard Medical School.Alzheimer’s disease: a guide to diagnosis, treatment, and caregiving.Additional ReadingNational Institute on Aging.Do memory problems always mean Alzheimer’s disease?.
3 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Alzheimer’s Association.What Is dementia?.Alzheimer’s Association.Approaching memory loss concerns.Harvard Medical School.Alzheimer’s disease: a guide to diagnosis, treatment, and caregiving.Additional ReadingNational Institute on Aging.Do memory problems always mean Alzheimer’s disease?.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Alzheimer’s Association.What Is dementia?.Alzheimer’s Association.Approaching memory loss concerns.Harvard Medical School.Alzheimer’s disease: a guide to diagnosis, treatment, and caregiving.
Alzheimer’s Association.What Is dementia?.
Alzheimer’s Association.Approaching memory loss concerns.
Harvard Medical School.Alzheimer’s disease: a guide to diagnosis, treatment, and caregiving.
National Institute on Aging.Do memory problems always mean Alzheimer’s disease?.
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
