Early Signs of a Dementia Diagnosis: How to Recognize and Prepare

A dementia diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but early recognition and preparation can make all the difference.

Whether your loved one is experiencing memory lapses, confusion, or difficulty with daily tasks, understanding the early signs of dementia can help you take the next steps toward proper care and treatment.

If you’re a caregiver or family member, it’s essential to know how Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease, and Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) progress, how they are diagnosed, and what resources are available to support your loved one.

To provide support for caregivers, we held an expert-led discussion on Lewy Body Dementia, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s disease.

Guest speakers included:

1. Keith N. Fargo, PhD, is the Director of Scientific Initiatives at the Lewy Body Dementia Association.
2. Connor D. Courtney, PhD of Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Associate Director of Research Programs at the Parkinson’s Foundation,
3. Claire Day, Chief Program Officer at the Alzheimer’s Association

Let’s discover how to navigate an early diagnosis, learn about treatment options, and explore how specialized memory care communities provide the best support for dementia residents.

Recognizing the early signs of dementia

Dementia symptoms often develop gradually, making it easy to overlook the early warning signs.

However, recognizing these changes early allows for better treatment planning, lifestyle adjustments, and caregiver preparation.

Common early symptoms of dementia

• Memory loss that disrupts daily life: Forgetting important dates, repeating questions, or misplacing items.
• Difficulty with problem-solving: Struggling with simple calculations, paying bills, or following a recipe.
• Confusion about time and place: Losing track of dates, forgetting appointments, or getting lost in familiar places.
• Changes in mood or personality: Increased irritability, anxiety, depression, or withdrawal from social activities.
• Difficulty finding words: Trouble remembering names, common words, or keeping up with conversations.
• Poor judgment and decision-making: Trouble managing finances, falling for scams, or dressing inappropriately for the weather.

If your loved one exhibits one or more of these signs, it is essential that you schedule a neurological evaluation as soon as possible.

Navigating a dementia diagnosis

Receiving a dementia diagnosis can be an emotional and life-altering moment.

However, early diagnosis allows families to plan, explore treatment options, and establish necessary support systems.

What to do after a dementia diagnosis

1. Educate yourself about the condition: Learn how Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and LBD progress to prepare for what’s ahead.
2. Have open family discussions: Discuss future care needs, legal decisions, and financial planning.
3. Create a safe home environment: Reduce clutter, improve lighting, and implement reminders to aid daily tasks.
4. Establish a daily routine: Predictability helps reduce confusion and anxiety for individuals with dementia.
5. Find a support network: Connect with caregiver support groups and memory care professionals for guidance.

Early planning allows smoother transitions as dementia progresses, helping families make informed care decisions.

Understanding how dementia progresses

Each type of dementia follows a different trajectory, but all involve cognitive decline and increasing dependence on caregivers over time.

That’s why early intervention is essential to determine the type of dementia you’re loved one is experiencing. The following are a few possible progressions of dementia.

Alzheimer’s disease progression

1. Early stage: Mild forgetfulness, difficulty organizing tasks, and slight confusion.
2. Middle stage: Noticeable memory loss, behavioral changes, and difficulty recognizing loved ones.
3. Late stage: Severe cognitive decline, loss of speech, and full-time care needs.

Lewy Body Dementia progression

1. Early stage: Vivid hallucinations, REM sleep disturbances, and mild memory impairment.
2. Middle stage: Increased confusion, motor difficulties, and fluctuations in alertness.
3. Late stage: Severe cognitive and physical decline, with full-time care required.

Parkinson’s disease Dementia progression

1. Early stage: Mild tremors, slow movement, and occasional memory issues.
2. Middle stage: Worsening mobility, speech difficulties, and mild cognitive impairment.
3. Late stage: Significant memory loss, hallucinations, and dependence on caregivers.

Understanding these progression patterns can help families anticipate care needs and explore the best care solutions before symptoms worsen.

Care and treatment options for Dementia

Although there is no cure for dementia, medications, and therapies can help manage symptoms and slow progression.

Medications that can help

• Leqembi (lecanemab): This new treatment is FDA-approved for early-stage Alzheimer’s and designed to slow cognitive decline.
• Cholinesterase Inhibitors (Donepezil, Rivastigmine, Galantamine): These can improve memory and reduce confusion.
• Levodopa: This medication can help manage motor symptoms for Parkinson’s and LBD patients.
• Melatonin and sleep aids: These assist with sleep disturbances and REM sleep disorder.

Non-medical therapies for dementia care

• Music therapy: Music and art can stimulate memory and enhance mood.
• Art & creative activities: Encourages expression and emotional well-being.
• Cognitive exercises: Word games, puzzles, and memory activities to keep the brain engaged.
• Sleep & behavior management: Establishing a consistent bedtime routine to reduce confusion.

Combining medications with supportive therapies can enhance the quality of life and help individuals with dementia maintain independence for as long as possible.

Supporting a loved one through a Dementia diagnosis

If your loved one has recently received a dementia diagnosis, here’s how you can help:

1. Encourage independence: Let them continue daily tasks with minimal assistance to maintain confidence.
2. Practice patience: Communication may take longer, so give them time to express themselves.
3. Stay engaged: Involve them in familiar activities, such as listening to music, cooking, or light exercise.
4. Explore care options early: Research memory care communities like The Kensington White Plains to prepare for future needs.

Providing emotional and practical support can make this journey easier for you and your loved one.

Why families choose The Kensington White Plains for memory care

As dementia progresses, care needs increase, making finding a supportive, nurturing environment essential.

At The Kensington White Plains, we provide:

• Specialized memory care neighborhoods that are designed to support varying levels of dementia care.
• Dementia trained caregivers, continuously trained in Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Lewy Body Dementia care.
• Tailored nutrition plans are designed to support brain health and accommodate dietary needs.
• Engaging programs & activities such as music, art, and exercise designed for cognitive and emotional well-being.
• Family support & education, including caregiver resources, support groups, and dementia workshops.

Take the next step: Expert memory care at The Kensington White Plains

A dementia diagnosis can be life-changing, but you don’t have to navigate this journey alone.

The Kensington White Plains offers a warm, supportive memory care community designed to meet your loved one’s evolving needs with compassion, expertise, and personalized care.

Let us help you find the proper care solutions for your family. Our team is here to provide guidance, comfort, and resources to ensure your loved one receives the best possible support.

Contact The Kensington White Plains for more about our specialized dementia care, rehabilitation services, upcoming events, and caregiver resources.