If you suspect that someone close to you may have dementia, begin by calmly documenting the changes you have noticed, speaking with them in a supportive way and encouraging them to seek a professional assessment. Avoid diagnosing them yourself or dismissing their symptoms as a normal part of aging.
Dementia can affect memory, communication, reasoning, mood and the ability to complete everyday activities. Although it is more common among older adults, dementia is not an inevitable part of aging.
Look for Patterns, Not Isolated Mistakes
Occasionally forgetting a name or misplacing an item does not necessarily indicate dementia. Pay attention to changes that are persistent, becoming more frequent or interfering with the person’s independence.
Possible warning signs include:
- Frequently forgetting recent conversations or appointments
- Repeating the same questions
- Becoming confused about dates, times or familiar places
- Struggling to follow conversations or find common words
- Having difficulty managing medications, finances or familiar tasks
- Showing noticeable changes in mood, judgment or personality
These symptoms can develop gradually and may be difficult to recognize at first. Keep a private record of specific incidents, including when they occurred and how they affected the person’s daily life. This information may be helpful during an assessment.
Choose the Right Time to Talk
Find a quiet, familiar place where you can speak without interruptions. Approach the conversation with empathy rather than confrontation.
You might say, “I’ve noticed that you’ve been having more difficulty remembering appointments lately, and I’m concerned about you. Would you be comfortable speaking with a healthcare professional?”
Use clear examples, but avoid presenting a long list of everything the person has done differently. Reassure them that you are raising the subject because you care and want to support them. Listen carefully to their response, even if they become defensive, frightened or dismissive.
Encourage a Professional Assessment
Memory and thinking changes can have several causes. Depression, medication side effects, sleep problems, infections, vitamin deficiencies and other medical conditions can sometimes produce dementia-like symptoms. A professional evaluation is therefore essential.
People searching for assessments in Norfolk can begin by contacting a family doctor, nurse practitioner or appropriate local service. An initial evaluation may involve reviewing symptoms and medications, discussing medical history, completing cognitive screening and ordering other tests when appropriate.
South Coast Wellness provides non-emergency geriatric assessment, consultation, treatment and education for older adults and people experiencing age-related difficulties. Its services also support families and care providers navigating these changes.
Offer to schedule the appointment, provide transportation or attend with the person if they would find that reassuring.
What If They Refuse Help?
Do not force the conversation unless there is an immediate safety concern. Give the person time and consider raising the subject again later. You can focus on a general health check rather than insisting that they need a dementia assessment.
If they continue refusing support, you may still share your concerns privately with their healthcare provider. The provider may not be able to disclose the person’s medical information, but they can receive information from you.
Take urgent action if the person is wandering, driving unsafely, leaving appliances on, missing essential medication or putting themselves or someone else at risk.
Sudden confusion is different from the gradual changes commonly associated with dementia. If someone becomes confused very suddenly, seek immediate medical attention because the cause could require urgent treatment.
Finding Support for Dementia in Norfolk
You do not need to wait for a confirmed diagnosis before asking for guidance. Families concerned about dementia in Norfolk can contact South Coast Wellness to learn about local assessment and support options.
Early evaluation can help identify treatable causes, clarify what is happening and connect the individual and family with appropriate services. Most importantly, continue treating your loved one with patience, dignity and respect throughout the process. Focus on what they can still do, include them in decisions and remind them that they will not have to navigate the next steps alone.
