As the holiday season approaches, it’s a time of joy and celebration for many. It means getting together, enjoying food, participating in long held traditions, and overall, creating lasting memories to enjoy for years to come. Typically, the holiday season is the one time a year that the whole family can come together and spend quality time with their beloved matriarch or patriarch. 

However, for older adults within the early stages of dementia, this time of year can bring unique challenges. At Kingsley, our senior living community in Canton, MI, specializing in both assisted living and memory care, we understand the importance of recognizing and addressing dementia warning signs during the holidays. 

In this blog, we’ll explore eight crucial signs to watch out for as you spend time with your loved ones as well give you more information about dementia senior living options. 

 

What is Dementia?

Dementia is not a single disease but rather an umbrella term used to describe a range of cognitive impairments that interfere with an individual’s daily life. It is characterized by a decline in cognitive function, including memory, thinking, and reasoning abilities. Dementia can affect various aspects of a person’s life, making it challenging to perform everyday tasks and maintain social relationships.

 

8 Dementia Warning Signs

Now that you have a little background information regarding what dementia is, it’s time to delve into some key warning signs that you need to be aware of:

 

#1.) Memory Loss

One of the most common early signs of dementia is memory loss. Those living with dementia may forget important dates, names, or conversations. While spending time with your senior loved one during the holiday season, keep a keen eye on this type of behavior. If they are struggling to remember names or recollect memories from holidays past, this could be a red flag. 

 

#2.) Difficulty in Communication

Another common dementia red flag is difficulties communicating. This could include struggling to find the right words or repeating themselves in conversation. Look for changes in the way your loved ones express themselves during holiday gatherings. For example, are they having a hard time articulating their thoughts in a way that makes sense? Are they referring to common items as nonsensical words such as ‘thingamajig’ or ‘dealy bopper’? These could be early signs of dementia. 

 

#3.) Confusion in Familiar Places

Those with dementia may become disoriented in familiar environments, including within their own home or the home of a loved one. Keep an eye out for signs of confusion or getting lost during holiday events. For example, are they asking which drawer has the silverware even if it’s been in the same spot for years? Do they become panicked or disoriented about which room they are in? If so, it could be a major red flag. 

 

#4.) Changes in Personality 

Dementia can cause shifts in personality and behavior. Your loved one might become irritable, anxious, or withdrawn, especially when dealing with the stress and excitement of the holiday season. Keep an eye out for how they interact with others. Are they short tempered or snappy? Are they saying things that they would have never said before? Do they seem overall withdrawn and disconnected from the celebrations? These are some telltale behavioral signs to be aware of during this holiday season. 

A senior decorating a holiday tree at their dementia senior living community

#5.) Poor Judgment

People with dementia may make decisions that seem out of character and reflect poor judgment. During the holiday season, this might manifest as overspending during shopping or opening up credit cards or maxing out the ones they already have. Another red flag can include neglecting personal hygiene, such as failing to brush their teeth, comb their hair, change their clothes, or even shower on a routine basis. 

 

#6.) Difficulty Completing Familiar Tasks 

Another large red flag to look out for is their inability to complete familiar duties or chores. Watch for signs of struggling with day to day tasks they used to handle with ease, like cooking a holiday meal or setting the table. If they brought presents, pay attention to the quality of how they are wrapped. These are just a few examples of what to look out for during your holiday gathering. 

 

#7.) Misplacing Items

Frequent misplacement of belongings or accusing others of stealing is another red flag. Those who are in the early stages of dementia may put their things in strange places, such as placing their car keys in the freezer or their wallet in the pantry. These behaviors can compound and create tension during holiday gatherings, so it’s essential to handle it with patience and understanding.

 

#8.) Difficulty Recognizing Faces

Those living with dementia may have trouble recognizing familiar faces, even those of close family members, which can be particularly heartbreaking during holiday reunions. If your senior loved one is having a hard time recognizing their loved ones, this is a major dementia red flag. 

 

Could Dementia Senior Living Be a Good Choice for Your Family?

Recognizing these dementia warning signs is crucial for ensuring that your loved ones living with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia have a safe and enjoyable holiday season. At Kingsley, our dedicated team understands the unique needs of those in our dementia senior living community. We provide specialized care and support to ensure that residents experience the warmth and joy of the holidays while staying safe and comfortable.

If you notice any of these warning signs in your loved ones, it’s essential to consult with healthcare professionals who specialize in dementia care. Early intervention and a supportive senior living community like Kingsley can make a significant difference in enhancing the quality of life for those living with dementia.

 

Contact Kingsley Today

This holiday season, let’s spread love, understanding, and support to our communities, including those living with Alzheimer’s disease. Kingsley is here to assist and provide a safe, nurturing environment for your loved ones. Together, we can make this holiday season truly special for everyone. Contact us today to learn more about our dementia senior living community and to schedule a tour!