Is Your Senior Loved One Hiding Dementia?

May 16, 2016

Many families are shocked to find that their senior loved one has Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. It can seem like the person is fine one day, and then their mind is a confused maze the next. These conditions do not typically develop rapidly. Instead, they occur over time and can be easy for seniors and their families to overlook. Knowing the signs that your loved one is hiding memory troubles is important. Here are some things to look for:

Routine Disruptions 

As a way to cope with burgeoning memory loss, many seniors rely on routines. Being in their own homes and following the same pattern daily can hide the effects of memory loss. Everything from attending weekly brunch groups with friends to going to the movies at the same time every Friday can make it easy for an older individual to appear as if their brain is functioning normally. You may notice that the person is a little off when not following the routine. Perhaps the senior’s car breaks down, leaving no way to get to their usual activities. You may receive a confused phone call from the person asking when you’re coming over or notice that they go to bed far earlier than usual. These little signs can add up, helping you realize your loved one has memory loss.

Find Senior Living Near Me

 

Trouble With Logical Thinking

 

The Alzheimer’s Association wrote that some seniors struggle with simple tasks, like balancing a checkbook or doing math. You might see that the older individual can’t figure out how to add up a tip at a restaurant or is unable to tell the time on an analog clock.

 

“Normally, excellent cooks may forget how to read a recipe.”

Seniors who are excellent cooks and frequently make delicious meals for friends and family may suddenly not know how to read a recipe card. The senior can hide these instances by switching to digital clocks, providing a larger-than-normal tip, and only making recipes from memory.

 

Confusion When Speaking

Seniors who have memory loss may have difficulty with conversations. They may be mid-sentence and forget what they’re saying or not know how to join an ongoing talk. They can hide these issues by pretending to see something exciting and discussing it or avoiding social interactions altogether. You may see a senior isolating him or herself or not attending events they would typically enjoy by providing excuses like pretending to be sick. Seniors with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia may also repeat themselves or have trouble coming up with specific words. They can become skilled at hiding it when this happens, so you may have to pay close attention to catch these signs of memory loss.

If you are concerned that your senior loved one is struggling with dementia, consider setting up an appointment to check out an Alzheimer’s care community. These residences are well-staffed and fully equipped to assist older people who can no longer live independently.

Related Posts

View All News
Mr. Rogers

March 19, 2025

It’s a Beautiful Day in Our Neighborhood!

Embracing the Spirit of Mister Rogers  For decades, Mister Rogers inspired generations with his kindness, empathy, and community messages on Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. His legacy lives on in childhood memories and real-life communities like Edgewood Village in Bismarck. Recently, we received a touching story from a resident’s daughter about the profound impact our community has […]

Read More
Senior female with toes in the water

March 5, 2025

Come on in, the Water’s Fine: Assisted Living Brings Peace of Mind

Life’s transitions have a way of making us uneasy—especially during the later chapters. So, why not get some peace of mind?   We always say, “Check us out, stop in for a tour, or join one of our community events.” We encourage visitors to experience firsthand how different assisted living has become.       […]

Read More
black and white image of females holding boquets of flowers

February 24, 2025

Tell Me About the Good Old Days

      Have you ever experienced the smell of freshly baked cookies and been transported right back to your grandmother’s kitchen? Our senses—sight, smell, touch, taste, and hearing—play a powerful role in triggering memories. These moments of déjà vu can feel random, but they’re rooted in our sensory experiences. For individuals with dementia, these […]

Read More
Senior ladies walking arm in arm as a group

February 13, 2025

A Little Help Keeps You Strong

We might all know that asking for help is a better, safer option for accomplishing certain things, but we might choose to struggle to maintain the appearance of being independent. Why does it feel like lending a hand to help others is easier than asking for help when we need it? Staying Independent Many of […]

Read More