Dementia FAQs: Answers to Four Most Common Questions About Alzheimer’s

When a loved one begins showing signs of cognitive decline, questions come fast and the answers aren’t always simple. It’s easy to spend a lot of time researching and trying to better understand the diagnosis. In this blog we’ve addressed four of the most common dementia questions we hear from families.  

1. What are the first signs of dementia?

A difficult aspect about dementia diagnosis is that the earliest signs can be easy to dismiss as normal aging. Occasional forgetfulness is a natural part of getting older, but dementia involves changes that go beyond typical memory lapses.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, early warning signs can include memory loss that disrupts daily life, difficulty with problem-solving or planning, confusion with time or place, new challenges with familiar tasks, and noticeable changes in mood or personality 

If you are noticing these signs in a loved one, the most important step to take is to speak with a physician as soon as possible. Early diagnosis opens the door to earlier intervention, better planning, and a higher quality of life for longer.

2. Should I tell my loved one they have dementia?

Families often fear causing pain or distress when approaching the topic of a dementia diagnosis. It’s hard to know how to communicate in a respectful, caring way. 

Most medical experts say you should be honest about a loved one’s condition. It may be helpful for a physician to lead the conversation because they can help explain the diagnosis, progression of the disease, and next steps.

Knowing the source of the problem allows individuals to get treatment early on and participate in decisions that will shape their future.

3. Can someone with dementia live on their own? Can they be left alone for short periods?

The answer depends on where a person is in their journey with dementia. In the early stages, many people continue to manage their daily lives with some adjustments and support. The Alzheimer’s Association notes that many people with Alzheimer’s continue to live on their own during the early stages of dementia with simple adjustments, safety precautions, and the support of others.

However, dementia is progressive, and being alone becomes increasingly risky as it advances. Research from UC San Francisco estimates that 1 in 4 older Americans with dementia or mild cognitive impairment lives alone and face health risks. Watch closely for signs of wandering, inability to manage medications, kitchen safety concerns, or increased anxiety when left alone. These are indicators that more support is needed.

Need help determining the progression of a loved one’s dementia? The FAST scale is a 7-stage assessment commonly used to estimate where an individual may fall in the progression of their disease. Take the five minute FAST Scale survey here. 

4. How long does dementia take to progress?

Dementia progresses differently in every person, and many factors influence how quickly it advances. People with Alzheimer’s disease live on average between four to eight years after diagnosis, but some live twenty years or more. Dementia progression doesn’t follow any certain steps that happen in the same way or timeframe for every person.

No matter the stage, individuals and their families can experience moments of joy, connection, and meaning. 

Avalon Memory Care can provide the right care and atmosphere for individuals dealing with memory loss.  At Avalon Memory Care, we have dedicated our work entirely to supporting those living with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and other cognitive impairments. Our team is here to answer your questions and provide the compassionate, expert care your loved one deserves.

Schedule a tour to learn more.