Last updated: April 14, 2025

Keeping up with aging loved ones who live out of town is a challenge for families everywhere. When you are able to see your family member after some time, whether it’s during an extended holiday stay or a quick weekend visit, you may notice changes that you hadn’t noticed before. Perhaps they ask you the same question several times, or they keep misplacing their glass of water. Noticing these small changes can happen during infrequent visits because the more interaction we have with someone, the less likely we are to notice changes in behavior. But when a lot of time has passed between visits, the changes are more acute.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 12% to 18% of people aged 60 or older have Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), which is an early sign of memory loss. Some individuals who suffer from MCI will eventually revert back to normal cognitive function; however, many will later be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia, with about 10%-15% of those with MCI developing dementia within one year.¹ By learning a few telltale signs of cognitive decline, you can help your aging loved one stay on top of their brain health and find help faster.

Could the signs be Alzheimer’s?

1: Memory loss that is unexpected for their age.

While gradual mental declines that don’t interfere with daily living can be a normal part of aging, more severe memory loss indicates a potential problem. This includes forgetting conversations, scheduled appointments, recently learned information, and other planned events. This type of memory loss disrupts daily life and is not a typical part of aging. Examples include asking for the same information repeatedly, using lots of reminder notes and relying on family members to do things that they used to do on their own.

2: Loses focus frequently and has confusion with time and place.

Tasks may get started and then easily forgotten. An example of this is if a stove accidentally gets left on because they started to cook and then lost their focus. Another example is if a simple walk in their neighborhood becomes unfamiliar and confusing.

3: Planning and problem-solving become increasingly difficult.

Challenges with developing and following a plan, working with numbers, and keeping track of monthly bills are a few examples of problem-solving skills that may diminish with cognitive decline.

4: Not being able to complete complex tasks such as balancing a checkbook or following a familiar recipe.

This might also include completing everyday tasks such as driving to familiar places, using a cell home, or shopping.

5: Changes in mood and behavior.

Very drastic changes in mood can be a telling sign. If your loved one feels uncomfortable in new places or gets agitated, confused, or fearful, there could be more going on than normal aging.

What to do if you notice signs of cognitive decline

If you have seen these signs in your loved one, a clinical diagnosis can be made by a healthcare provider. It can be difficult to diagnose because cognitive declines can look very different from person to person. It’s important to tell a doctor what your family member was like before the aging process. If they have always been somewhat forgetful or aloof, then this is an important trait to mention.

Once there is a diagnosis, there is still a lot of capacity to live a normal and fulfilling life. By getting a diagnosis, you and your family can begin making plans. Some help may be required through in-home care services such as those offered by HomeWell Care Services. Our Care Managers can help you put together a home care plan that works for your family’s unique situation. Many family members find themselves taking on the caregiving responsibility on their own and begin to feel overwhelmed and stressed. Our compassionate caregivers are trained to lift some of that burden by providing trusted, quality care whenever you need us most. Give us a call today to find out more about how we can help.

Disclaimer: The content provided in this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Sources

1. Alzheimer’s Association. Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-dementia/related_conditions/mild-cognitive-impairment