Identifying the First Signs and Common Behaviors of Dementia

There’s a reason they call dementia “the long goodbye.” Watching someone you love profoundly change and slip away little by little over time is a unique kind of heartbreak. To further complicate the situation, the common personality changes that occur with dementia aren’t always obvious at first. Sometimes, what starts as subtle changes eventually progresses to baffling behaviors. 

Personality changes are sometimes the first sign that something is wrong. As dementia-related changes occur in the brain, personal behaviors and attitudes often shift. Some changes are subtle as the disease progresses, but sometimes the changes occur abruptly and then continue to worsen over time.

When it comes to dementia, every person’s journey is unique. To understand what you or a loved one might experience following a dementia diagnosis now or in the future, it’s helpful to become familiar with the common behaviors of dementia.

Why Dementia-Related Personality Changes Are Often the First Signs 

Dementia is an umbrella term for various disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease, Lewy body dementia, and various frontotemporal diseases. All these conditions are marked by memory loss and physiological changes in the brain, and those changes spark a decline in cognitive abilities and eventually impact feelings and behaviors.

Not only can the disease itself change how a person acts, but the fear and frustration that go along with an upsetting diagnosis can lead to behavioral changes. Additionally, disorientation, deteriorating physical health, and a feeling of losing control can trigger potentially negative personality changes. 

The Common Behaviors of Dementia

Short-term memory loss is often thought of as the number one sign of dementia. It’s true that forgetting about important dates, repeating questions, and needing to use memory aids on an increasing basis is one of the most common early signs of the disease. However, it’s not the only sign to consider. Dementia-related personality changes can also be among the first signs. These changes may include the following: 

Repetitive Behaviors 

Even in the earliest stages of dementia, someone may struggle to remember what they have recently said or done. For example, you may notice someone asking the same questions over and over, or you may see them repeatedly looking for their personal belongings or performing the same actions. This can stem from confusion, anxiety, and a need for reassurance. 

Frustration and Anger 

When you are a caregiver for someone with dementia, dealing with outbursts of frustration and anger can be jarring. As dementia worsens, angry outbursts and even aggression can increase due to physical triggers like nausea and exhaustion. Episodes may also stem from your loved one’s inability to pinpoint what is really wrong. People with dementia also commonly feel scared or sad, and these emotions can manifest as frustration and anger. 

Mood Swings, Depression, and Loss of Interest in Activities 

Worrying about what’s happening to them combined with the changes that are occurring in the brain can take a toll on the mental health of someone with dementia. As a result, mild cognitive impairment may be preceded by mild behavioral impairment. This culmination of behavior changes can stem from the changes in parts of the brain that handle self-control and emotional regulation.

This can manifest in various ways, including:

• Rapid mood swings 
• Depression, marked by persistent sadness, negative feelings, apathy, and loss of interest in activities 
• Wearing the same clothing every day or resisting bathing
• Withdrawal from social situations and friends 
• Increasing impulsiveness and recklessness 
• Social inappropriateness 

Paranoia and Hiding Belongings

Someone with dementia may experience increasing and unfounded suspicions that people are stealing from them or hiding their belongings. You may also notice them hiding things to keep them safe. In later stages, they may also start believing things that aren’t true or seeing things that aren’t actually there.

Forgetfulness and Difficulties Completing Tasks 

Some degree of age-related memory decline is perfectly normal. However, someone with dementia typically experiences trouble retaining information, remembering important dates, and misplacing items to the degree that their daily lives are disrupted. For people with dementia, following a favorite recipe or concentrating on household bills can become a significant challenge. Even the most familiar tasks may become impossible to complete. 

When Personality Changes Occur with Dementia: Signals It’s Time to Think About Assisted Living 

As dementia progresses, changes to the brain accelerate and can disrupt your loved one’s ability to safely remain at home. Additionally, no matter how much you love someone, you may reach a point where you can no longer physically or emotionally provide the care they need. Ideally, you will already have a plan in place before you need it about how you will handle transitioning to an assisted living community.

When you notice behavioral and personality changes in your loved one, it’s essential to visit a doctor to evaluate the situation. If you get a diagnosis of dementia, take some time to process it and then lovingly broach the topic of assisted living as a future option as early as possible. In the earliest stages, someone can live independently or with minimal assistance. Involving them in the plan for what will happen once they can’t safely remain at home helps them feel like they are still in control and have a say in their future.

Signs that it’s time to make a move include:

Caregiver Stress

No matter how much you love someone, you may not be physically and mentally able to continue caring for them. Caring for a loved one at home is no easy feat, and although it’s a labor of love that can be fulfilling, you have limitations as well. Most caregivers have full-time jobs and families that also require their attention. As a result, dementia caregivers face a tremendous burden and must prioritize their own health and well-being at some point. 

Remaining at Home Is Not Safe 

There may come a point when your loved one can no longer bathe or dress themselves. Their home may present risks of injury, like falls, or they may become a danger to themselves. Moving to an assisted living community with 24/7 onsite staff can help your loved one remain as independent as possible while staying safe. Clear signals include:

• Wandering 
• Not managing medications 
• Confusion about using household appliances 
• Frequent falls 
• Reluctance to engage in activities of daily living like bathing and dressing 
• Not eating properly or losing weight 

Worsening Behaviors or Medical Conditions 

Dementia is a progressive condition. Things may remain relatively stable for a while before becoming worse. Additionally, co-existing medical conditions may require additional care and medical attention. Increased frailty and falls can also signal that it’s time to make a move.

Learn More About Judson Meadows Assisted Living Community 

Seniors and people with dementia can face increasing isolation and loneliness at home. In contrast, when they are part of a caring community, they can live a joyful life while receiving the care they need. As a caregiver, you may notice the common personality changes and behaviors of dementia far ahead of a diagnosis.

Whether you’re facing making the move now or researching options for the future, Judson Meadows is here for you. Our community provides incomparable care to help our residents live as independently as possible while providing the care they need and the support you deserve.

Sometimes, the most loving thing you can do is change your loved one’s living conditions. Learn more about Judson Meadows today or call us at 518-831-2400 to arrange a tour of our community.