Supporting Loved Ones During Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month

When the first signs of dementia appear, it may be easy to brush them aside simply as signs of aging. Maybe Dad repeats the same story twice in one conversation, or Mom starts misplacing her keys more often and seems more frustrated.  

At first, these changes may not seem serious, but over time, they could become more noticeable. That’s often how dementia starts. 

June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month. It’s a time to honor those living with memory loss, support families who are with them on the journey, and raise awareness about brain health.  

Whether you’re caring for a loved one, are concerned about early symptoms, or simply want to learn more, read on for insights on Alzheimer’s, tips for recognizing early signs, and guidance on supporting loved ones living with dementia.  

Dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease?  

Dementia is a word used generally to describe cognitive impairment that interferes with daily life, and there are more than 100 types of dementia in the world today.  

Frontotemporal dementia has become more well-known since actor Bruce Willis was diagnosed with it in 2023. And actor Robin Williams suffered from Lewy body dementia before his death in 2014.  

Although these other types of dementia exist, Alzheimer’s Association points out that 60 – 80% of cases can be linked to Alzheimer’s disease.  

“Alzheimer’s disease is a type of dementia that affects memory, thinking and behavior. Symptoms eventually grow severe enough to interfere with daily tasks.”

Recognizing Early Signs of Dementia 

Occasional forgetfulness is normal, and loved ones shouldn’t worry when they experience it. The kind of forgetfulness to pay attention to is the kind that disrupts daily life.  

Forgetting where you parked at the grocery store, for example, is something that happens to everyone now and then, even the youngest among us. But forgetting how you got to the store or not knowing how to find your way home could be a sign of something more.  

Asking the same question of someone when you haven’t seen them in a few months is one thing. Repeatedly asking the same question within minutes can point to early memory changes that may link to dementia. 

Other early signs the Alzheimer’s Association notes include: 

• Difficulty completing routine tasks 

• Inability to retrace steps 

• Withdrawal from activities someone once enjoyed 

• Extreme changes in personality or mood 

Be sure to seek medical guidance if you or someone you know is experiencing these changes.  

How to Support a Loved One Living with Alzheimer’s  

Supporting a loved one who has Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia requires empathy and patience. In a previous post, we discussed the Six Rs of Dementia Care — reassuring, reassessing, reconsidering, redirecting, relaxing, and reviewing. Approaching care with calmness and creating a supportive and soothing environment are some of the most important aspects of caring for a loved one with dementia. 

 It’s also crucial to maintain routines as much as possible and make a habit of communicating gently as often as you can.  

The round-the-clock attention someone with dementia needs can take an emotional toll on caregivers and family members. When the load becomes heavy, in-home care can help ease the day-to-day stress by offering specialized support, companionship, and consistent routines to continue to promote dignity and calm. 

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Whether you’re caring for a loved one with memory loss or seeking ways to support brain health, reach out to Golden Harmony’s experienced care team to learn more about memory care services and brain health awareness.