Understand Changes in Memory and Everyday Thinking

Think of dementia as the name for a group of symptoms. Alzheimer’s is one disease that can cause them. Other causes include vascular disease, Lewy body disease and frontotemporal degeneration. Some people have more than one type at once, which is called mixed dementia.

Knowing the cause can help the doctor plan care and help your family plan ahead. If your parent’s memory is changing, ask for a full checkup. Learn how dementia is diagnosed, or read our guide to the stages of dementia at home.

Part of the visit is ruling out other problems that look like dementia. Depression, sleep apnea and delirium can cause similar symptoms, and many of these can be treated.

Before the visit, write down what you have noticed and when it began. Note falls, mood shifts, missed bills or trouble with daily tasks. Bring a list of all medicines. The doctor may ask a family member to describe changes, so plan to go along if your parent agrees.

The doctor may also suggest a specialist for more detailed memory tests. Our guide to the stages of dementia explains what may come next.

Some genes raise the odds without deciding the outcome. A common one is called APOE-e4. Even people with two copies are not certain to get Alzheimer’s. Genes that directly cause the disease are rare.

If you are thinking about genetic testing, meet with a genetic counselor before the test and again when results come back. They can explain what the results mean and help you plan.

Share your family history with your own doctor at your next visit. To learn the basics, read our answer on the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia.

When to see a doctor

• Asking the same questions over and over
• Getting lost in places they know well
• Trouble following a recipe or directions
• More confusion about time, people and places

Not every memory problem is dementia. Medicine side effects, low vitamin B12, thyroid problems and depression can cause them too. These often get better once treated.

Offer to make the appointment and go with your parent. Bring notes on what you have seen. You can learn more in our memory and thinking changes section.

Simple routines can help ease the evening:
– Keep the same daily schedule for meals, bathing and bedtime.
– Get some sunlight each day, outdoors or by a window.
– Plan some activity during the day, but not too much.
– Skip coffee, cola and alcohol late in the day.
– Limit long naps in the afternoon.

Being overtired, noise or too many people can make it worse. So can pain or some medicines. If the behavior gets worse, talk with your parent’s doctor to check for a physical cause. For more support, visit our Memory & Cognitive Changes topic.

Memory care is often a separate unit inside a larger building, and some units are secured. Not all assisted living places offer dementia care, so ask what they provide. Find out if staff are trained in dementia care and how they handle changes in behavior.

Medicare does not pay for assisted living or other long-term custodial care. Medicaid may cover some costs, depending on your parent’s state and eligibility.

Staying home can also work with support such as adult day programs, in-home help and breaks for you. Our Find Care overview explains each type of care. For what to expect over time, read about the stages of dementia.