How do we know if our aging loved one has Dementia or Alzheimer's disease? Just because mom or dad is forgetting things, doesn't necessarily mean they're suffering from cognitive decline.

Every person with a disease that affects the memory experiences different symptoms with varying levels of severity. However, there are signs to watch for. According to Aging Care, early indicators of dementia and Alzheimer's disease include:

• Confusion and lack of concentration - Being unsure or confused a lot can be a common indicator of memory loss and early onset of dementia or Alzheimer's disease. Also watch for your aging loved one having difficulty doing the things they did before or a hard time concentrating. Some individuals forget where they are or how they got there even.
• Difficulty with language and speaking - Dementia and Alzheimer's disease can have an affect on how someone constructs their sentences while speaking or writing. An example of this could be your aging loved one saying hand-clock instead of watch. The confusion can cause an abrupt stop in the middle of a sentence or a conversation too.
• Changes in personal hygiene or grooming - If a sudden decline in self care emerges, for instance, irregular bathing, oral hygiene, or if the individual is wearing the same clothes over and over again, this could indeed be an indicator of serious cognitive decline.

Discover more signs of Alzheimer's disease and dementia by reading this Aging Care article here