Early Signs of Dementia

Donna Nichols • August 27, 2020

Here at Assisted Living Made Simple, we talk with many family members who are dealing with a loved one that has early signs of dementia and/or Alzheimers. Most of the time it is to help them find their loved one the perfect memory care community or share some caregiver resources.

Today we thought we would tackle the early signs of dementia with our readers. 

Dementia is caused by damage to the brain cells, which interferes with the ability of the brain cells to communicate with each other.

When brain cells can’t connect together, thinking, behaviors, and feelings can be altered. The brain has many specific areas, each area controls different functions. When cells in a particular area are damaged, that area cannot carry out its actions as usual.

Different types of dementia identify with specific types of brain cell damage in the specific areas of the brain.

The area in the brain that deals with learning and memory is the hippocampus and is often the first area damaged.

Early Signs of Dementia

That’s why memory loss is often one of the earliest symptoms of Alzheimer’s.

The hippocampus is responsible for a person’s spatial memory, which affects their ability to remember directions, locations, and orientations.

There is hope , most damage in the brain that causes dementia is permanent and gets worse over time, there has been success with those problems with treatment when caused by depression, alcohol abuse, thyroid issues, and vitamin deficiencies.

What are the early signs of Dementia?

There are no specific signs of dementia, as they can vary greatly. Some of them include:

  • Problems with short-term memory.
  • Keeping track of a purse or wallet.
  • Paying bills.
  • Planning and preparing meals.
  • Remembering appointments.
  • Traveling out of the neighborhood.

Many conditions start out slowly and progressively get worse.

Don’t ignore the signs, seek medical help right away if you or someone you know shows signs of dementia.

A doctor may determine you have a treatable condition, and even if it suggests dementia it enables you more time to make a plan.

How do you test for Dementia?

Unfortunately, there is no specific test for dementia.

Doctors look at a person’s medical history, lab tests, perform a physical exam, and observe the changes in their thinking, day-to-day functions, and behaviors.

Most diagnosis of dementia are done with a high level of certainty, but the type of dementia is extremely hard to diagnose . You may have to see a specialist to determine the specific type of dementia you have.

A neurologist would be the best person to diagnose the type of dementia, but geriatric psychiatrists, neuropsychologists, and geriatricians may also be skilled in diagnosing the condition.

What is the treatment for Dementia?

First of all, there is no cure for dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Also, there is no treatment that can slow or stop its advancement.

However, there are drug treatments that may improve symptoms temporarily. There are many over-the-counter vitamins that may improve memory and help you focus. These along with prescribed medication may make dementia tolerable.

Finally, if you have a loved one that has Dementia or Alzheimers and you are looking for a Memory Care Home for them, please give us a call today at 386-847-2322! One of our compassionate Senior Advisors would love the opportunity to help you along on this journey. 

What can a Senior Advisor do for you?

By Donna Nichols • July 17, 2025
A senior advisor is a personal guide or advocate for older adults and their families. Here’s what they can do for you: Help Navigate Options They can explain the differences between independent living, assisted living, memory care, nursing homes, and in-home care, and recommend the best option for a person's health, lifestyle, and budget. Find the Right Community or Services They often have knowledge of (and connections with) local senior living communities or services. They’ll: Match your needs to suitable options Setting up tours Even help ask the right questions Assist with Financial Planning Some advisors can help figure out how to pay for care: Understanding long-term care insurance Veterans’ benefits Medicaid/Medicare guidance Budget planning Guide Legal and Paperwork Stuff They can refer you to elder law attorneys, help with advance directives, or even help you understand contracts from senior living facilities. Support for Families They can act as a neutral third party when families struggle with decisions, easing tension and helping everyone feel informed and involved. Assist with Movers and Downsizers Some advisors have connections with movers, downsizers, and other people who can make your transition smooth.  If you believe a senior advisor can assist you, please call us today to schedule your complimentary consultation at 386-847-2322 . Our services are 100% FREE to you! What have you got to lose?

Beating the Florida Summer Heat

By Donna Nichols • July 7, 2025
Florida summers come in three flavors: hot, hotter, and what fresh hell is this? Whether you're a lifelong local or newly initiated into the Sunshine Sweat Fest, you know it’s more survival sport than season. So, how do we stay cool without losing our cool? Here’s your sun-savvy guide to getting through it. Make hydration a hobby Not just water, electrolytes are your best friends when you're sweaty. Coconut water, cucumber-mint spritzers, watermelon slices. If your drink doesn’t sparkle, chill, or drip condensation like a rom-com montage, it’s not summer-ready. Dress for success and summertime Loose, light, breathable fabrics. Cotton, linen, or the holy grail: moisture-wicking. Bonus points for sun hats and SPF clothing that make you look like a beach detective on vacation. Fans ARE your best friends Table fans, ceiling fans, handheld fans—the whole rotation. Keep them oscillating like your thoughts during a political debate. And if you’ve got a cooling towel? You’re royalty. Avoid the “Roasting Hours” From 11 AM to 4 PM, Florida turns into a convection oven. Errands, walks, and yard work? Schedule them early or late. Unless you’re trying to get baked like a Publix cookie—then by all means. Sunscreen is a lifestyle Apply, reapply, then pretend  you're an influencer and do it again. Because nothing says “I’m melting” like a shoulder burn shaped like your purse strap. Eat lightly Cold meals can be your best friend—salads, chilled pasta, and fruit-forward lunches are all options. Bonus points if you serve them on plates fresh from the fridge like the true champion you are. Rest, reset, repeat If the heat’s making you crankier than a mosquito at a citronella convention, take breaks: shade, air conditioning, quiet corners. Recharge without guilt—you’re surviving a sauna with its own zip code. Florida heat might be relentless, but so are we. With humor, hydration, and a healthy dose of stubborn grace, we ride the wave and keep the ice cubes coming. Stay cool out there, friends. You’ve got this.

Honoring Independence Day with Grace

By Donna Nichols • July 2, 2025
Not every 4th of July needs to burst with fireworks. For many older adults, especially those with tender hearing, health challenges, or a fondness for quieter joys, Independence Day can be just as meaningful in a slower rhythm. It’s the scent of something delicious simmering nearby, the comfort of a cool seat and a cherished show, and the simple dignity of being remembered; of having made it this far, with stories to tell and wisdom that still glows brighter than any sparkler. Caregiver Tips for a Thoughtful 4th: Keep things soft and soothing. Loud sounds can be jarring for seniors with sensory sensitivities, dementia, or PTSD. Choose instrumental patriotic music or old-time radio shows that bring joy without overwhelming them. Build a gentle plate. Soft, easy-to-eat favorites like tender pulled chicken, mashed potatoes, or a festive red, white, and blue parfait (layered Greek yogurt, mashed berries, and crushed graham crackers) keep things celebratory without strain. Spark memories, not stress. Bring out family photo albums, classic Americana films, or even music from their youth. Columbo, The Andy Griffith Show, or golden-age musicals can be a comforting trip down memory lane. Create rest-friendly spaces. A cozy chair near the window, a shaded seat outside, or even a reclined viewing spot for a live TV broadcast of fireworks can help them feel included without fatigue. Let them lead the conversation. Ask about what Independence Day meant to them growing up. You might discover tales of ration books, war bonds, or dancing at VFW halls. These stories are treasures wrapped in the quiet of the day.  In the end, Independence Day is about honoring resilience—the kind that’s quieter, often overlooked, but profoundly enduring. Whether you’re caring for someone, being cared for, or simply holding space for reflection, there’s beauty in choosing peace over spectacle. This Fourth of July, let’s celebrate not just the freedom of a nation but also the freedom to adapt, to rest, and to cherish those we love in the way that suits them best.