Difficult conversations are part of life and often impossible to avoid. We encounter them at work, with friends, and with family members. One of the most challenging is knowing how to tell a parent they have dementia.
Adult children often bear the responsibility of being both detectives and caregivers, observing subtle changes and facilitating these discussions. The Hillcrest caregiving team can guide you through the process with compassion, empowering you to take informed steps.
If you feel that your loved one is exhibiting memory loss symptoms, your journey may have already begun. Moving on, we’ll share some facts and explain the signs and symptoms of dementia.
What Are the Early Signs of Dementia?
Before speaking about Alzheimer’s and cognitive loss, you should understand exactly what they are. Dementia is a broad term that describes a decline in cognitive function severe enough to interfere with daily life, affecting memory, thinking, and social abilities.
Alzheimer’s, the most common cause of dementia, is a progressive disorder that leads to brain cell degeneration. It profoundly affects personal relationships and daily activities, stirring emotional responses from families and caregivers alike.
Recognizing the early signs is vital for timely intervention and support. Look for memory loss affecting job skills, difficulty performing familiar tasks, and language problems. Identifying these symptoms early can help manage the condition and enhance quality of life.*
- Memory Loss: Forgetting recently learned information is one of the most common early signs. Individuals may ask for the same information repeatedly or rely on memory aids, like reminder notes.
- Difficulty Performing Familiar Tasks: Seniors may struggle with completing everyday tasks like preparing a meal or driving to a familiar location, impacting their ability to function independently.
- Language Problems: Parents may forget simple words or substitute unusual words, making sentences difficult to understand. That leads to communication challenges.
- Disorientation to Time and Place: People with cognitive impairment can become lost in their neighborhood, forget where they are, or not know how they got there, highlighting issues with spatial awareness.
- Poor or Decreased Judgment: There may be noticeable changes in decision-making abilities, like giving away large sums of money to telemarketers or neglecting personal hygiene.
*If you notice these symptoms, it’s best to schedule an appointment with your loved one’s physician. They can perform an exam and provide a diagnosis.
Now: Talking to Parents About Dementia
Letting a parent know they have dementia is no easy task. We suggest relying on a support system that includes family members, physicians, and other health professionals. Most importantly, don’t turn the conversation into a confrontation.
One-on-one conversations work best for some, but group approaches are better for others. Bear in mind that you might have to break up the conversation into several; your loved one might need help understanding the situation, or they might oppose your guidance.
These suggestions serve as guidelines for how to talk to a parent about dementia:
- Choose a calm, private setting free from distractions; turn off the television and cell phones.
- Use “I” statements, like “I’ve noticed you seem to have some trouble remembering things,” to soften the conversation and reduce feelings of accusation or blame.
- Affirm the unwavering love and support your family has for them.
- Encourage them to express their own perceptions about their experiences. That will make them feel heard and understood.
- Acknowledge their emotions, whether it’s fear, anger, or confusion, by emphasizing that these feelings are valid.
This is not merely about conveying facts—it’s about encouraging an open dialogue where your parent feels confident enough to discuss their thoughts and feelings without judgment or anxiety. By assuring them that they are not alone in facing these challenges, you fortify their resilience and prepare both of you for decisions concerning care and lifestyle adjustments. Remember, you are their advocate.
Preparing for the Road Ahead
Relationships are precious, especially between adult children and their aging parents. As you take on this new role in your parent’s life and research Los Angeles area dementia care communities, remember you are not alone. Reach out to support groups or other family members to share experiences and seek comfort.
Take the steps today to ensure your parent receives the compassion and care they deserve—starting with a simple conversation that makes all the difference.
We Invite You to Connect With Our Memory Care Community
Hillcrest in La Verne offers a range of senior lifestyle options, including memory care. Contact us and we’ll tell you more about talking to parents about dementia and take you on a tour.
*This article should not replace medical advice. Talk with your doctor regarding any issues you may experience, especially if you suspect memory loss, dementia, or Alzheimer’s.
