“What really helps is grounding yourself in three things: what change you’re noticing, how different it is from who this person has always been, and whether it’s getting worse over time.” — Dr. Anna Chodos
Are you concerned that your loved one is showing early signs of dementia? Do you find yourself noticing changes but unsure whether they’re significant? You’re not alone in this uncertainty, and there are clear steps you can take to address your concerns.
We are Sue Ryan and Nancy Treaster. As caregivers for our loved ones with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia, we understand how challenging it can be to recognize early signs of dementia and know what to do next. We’re sharing insights about practical guidance for managing through those early signs of dementia from Dr. Anna Chodos, professor of medicine in geriatrics at the University of California, San Francisco, and executive director of Dementia Care Aware, and Dr. Barry Jacobs, clinical psychologist, family therapist, and co-author of the AARP Caregiver Answer Book.
Let’s explore three essential tips for recognizing early dementia signs — starting difficult conversations with your loved one and communicating effectively with healthcare providers.
Connect with us and share your tips:
- Website: https://thecaregiversjourney.org/
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- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suearmstrongryan/, https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancytreaster/
- Email: sue@thecaregiversjourney.org, nancy@thecaregiversjourney.org
Full Show Notes
Additional Resources Mentioned
- Alzheimer’s Association 10 signs of dementia: https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/10_signs
- Dementia Care Aware: https://www.dementiacareaware.org/
- Barry’s website www.caregiveranswerbook.com
- Buy the Caregiver Answer Book on Amazon https://amzn.to/4i9V9ZL
- Support the nonprofit The Caregiver's Journey: https://give.cornerstone.cc/thecaregiversjourney
Takeaways
Tip 1: Know What Signs to Look For — They’re More Than Just Memory
Tip 2: Start Early and Normalize Health Conversations
Tip 3: Plan Ahead for the Doctor’s Appointment
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