Dementia Archives

The 7 Stages of Frontotemporal Dementia

Key Takeaways

Frontotemporal dementia often affects personality and behaviour before memory, making early signs easy to overlook
The condition typically progresses through seven stages, with symptoms becoming more severe over time
Early stages may involve subtle changes that are often mistaken for stress or normal aging
Later stages commonly require specialized memory care and 24-hour supervision for safety and comfort
Understanding each stage helps families plan appropriate care while preserving dignity throughout the journey

Receiving a frontotemporal dementia diagnosis can leave families feeling uncertain about what the future holds. Unlike other types of dementia, this condition primarily affects the front and temporal lobes of the brain, often causing noticeable changes in personality, behaviour, and language long before memory loss becomes apparent.

Frontotemporal dementia typically progresses through seven distinct stages, beginning with subtle or barely noticeable symptoms and eventually leading to the need for full-time care. Each stage presents different challenges, and understanding what to expect can help families anticipate changing needs, plan supportive care, and make informed decisions as symptoms evolve.

What Is Frontotemporal Dementia and How Does It Progress?

Frontotemporal dementia attacks the front and temporal lobes of your loved one’s brain. These areas control personality, behavior, language, and decision-making. That’s why you might notice dramatic personality changes or language difficulties before any memory problems appear.

This condition differs from Alzheimer’s disease, which typically affects memory first. Your family member might remember recent events clearly but struggle to control their impulses or communicate effectively. They might also develop unusual food cravings or lose their social filter entirely.

Stage 1 – No Symptoms Present

During this stage, your loved one appears completely unaffected, with no noticeable changes in behaviour, personality, or thinking. Daily life continues as usual, even though microscopic changes are already occurring in the brain.

This stage can last for years without detection, as symptoms are not yet visible. Your family member continues working, socializing, and managing responsibilities normally, much like a slow leak in a tire that goes unnoticed until it begins to affect performance.

Stage 2 – Very Mild Cognitive Decline

You might start noticing subtle changes in your loved one’s personality or judgment. They might make comments that seem slightly inappropriate or show less empathy than usual. These changes are often so mild that family members attribute them to stress, fatigue, or normal aging.

During this stage, your loved one can still handle most daily activities independently. The changes are subtle enough that friends and coworkers might not notice anything different. This can make it challenging to know when to seek medical advice from healthcare professionals who specialize in cognitive health.

Stage 3 – Mild Cognitive Decline

The personality and behavior changes become more apparent during this stage. Your loved one might lose their social filter, saying things that embarrass family members or seem completely out of character. They might develop new obsessions or repetitive behaviors that concern you.

This is typically when families start seeking medical advice. The changes are noticeable enough that you can’t dismiss them as normal aging anymore. Your loved one might still be able to work, but they may need help with more complex responsibilities. Practical caregiving resources can help families navigate these early challenges.

Stage 4 – Moderate Cognitive Decline

Daily activities become more difficult, and your loved one may need reminders or guidance for tasks such as managing medications, paying bills, and maintaining personal hygiene. Complex responsibilities often require step-by-step support.

Changes in eating habits are common and may include unusual food preferences, eating inappropriate items, or a loss of interest in food. Social withdrawal may also occur as interactions become overwhelming or confusing.

Personality changes can strain relationships, with increased stubbornness, impatience, or emotional distance. These shifts are often challenging for spouses and children, making caregiver support especially important during this stage.

Stage 5 – Moderately Severe Cognitive Decline

Your loved one now needs assistance with some daily activities like dressing, bathing, or preparing meals. Their judgment becomes significantly impaired, making it unsafe for them to drive or handle financial matters independently. They might not recognize the need for help, which can create challenging family dynamics.

Communication becomes increasingly difficult. Your family member might struggle to follow conversations, repeat themselves frequently, or use words incorrectly. They might also develop behavioral challenges like wandering, agitation, or sleep disturbances.

Independent living becomes a safety concern at this stage. Your loved one might leave the stove on, forget to lock doors, or make decisions that put them at risk. Families often start exploring assisted living or memory care options during this time.

Stage 6 – Severe Cognitive Decline

During this stage, your loved one needs extensive daily support. Tasks such as eating, dressing, toileting, and personal hygiene often require hands-on assistance, while speech may become very limited or disappear entirely.

Mobility typically declines, with slower movement, balance issues, or the need for physical support. Behavioural symptoms like agitation, restlessness, or repetitive actions may increase, particularly when routines change.

Around-the-clock supervision becomes essential for safety and comfort, and many families turn to specialized memory care environments to manage these complex needs while preserving dignity.

Stage 7 – Very Severe Cognitive Decline

In the final stage of frontotemporal dementia, your loved one is fully dependent on others for care. Communication is minimal or absent, and physical abilities decline significantly, making basic movements, swallowing, and sitting difficult.

Medical complications become more common, and care shifts toward comfort, pain management, and emotional reassurance rather than cognitive stimulation. A calm environment, familiar voices, and gentle touch help support quality of life.

Families often rely heavily on professional care teams during this stage, who provide guidance with end-of-life planning while ensuring care is delivered with dignity, compassion, and respect.

When Is Memory Care the Right Fit in the 7-Stage Progression?

As frontotemporal dementia advances through the seven stages, there comes a point when routine home care or assisted living is no longer sufficient to keep your loved one safe and supported. Although each person’s progression is unique, memory care is typically most beneficial beginning in the later middle stages of the disease — when daily tasks become increasingly challenging and safety concerns rise.

Memory care doesn’t mean giving up; it means providing support that matches your loved one’s evolving needs and preserves dignity through every stage of frontotemporal dementia.

How Memory Care Supports People With Frontotemporal Dementia

Memory care communities are specialized living environments designed for people with cognitive impairments, including frontotemporal dementia. Unlike typical assisted living settings, memory care offers a combination of structure, supervision, and therapeutic engagement that aligns with the behavioural and neurological challenges of dementia.

Safety and Supervision

Memory care provides a secure environment with trained staff available around the clock. This is vital as frontotemporal dementia progresses and risks related to wandering, impulsive behaviour, or confusion increase.

Structured Daily Routines

Residents benefit from consistent schedules and familiar routines, which help reduce anxiety and confusion — common feelings for adults with dementia. Structured days can improve comfort and reduce agitation.

Personalized Support

Care plans are individualized to match your loved one’s abilities and needs. Staff can assist with medication management, hygiene, meals, and communication challenges, allowing residents to maintain dignity and a sense of self.

Cognitive Engagement

Memory care communities typically offer activities designed to engage residents socially and mentally, including music therapy, reminiscence activities, art, and gentle group exercises. These help stimulate memory and foster connection.

By providing this tailored support, memory care helps families navigate the complexities of frontotemporal dementia with confidence and compassion.

Honouring Your Loved One’s Journey in Prior Lake

For families in the Prior Lake area, access to specialized memory care means you don’t have to manage this journey alone. NorBella Senior Living in Prior Lake offers both assisted living and memory care options in a secure, community-focused setting just minutes from local amenities and parks.

With a boutique-style neighbourhood that includes memory care services designed for those with cognitive impairments, this community strives to make every day meaningful — whether your loved one is transitioning into supportive care or navigating more advanced stages of frontotemporal dementia.

If your family is considering memory care, schedule a visit today to review care plans and see firsthand how supportive environments help residents maintain comfort, safety, and dignity at every stage of their journey.

Does My Mom Have Dementia?

By Norbella Senior Livingin Dementia

Key Takeaways

Memory changes that interfere with daily life go beyond normal aging and need professional evaluation
Starting gentle conversations early helps you address concerns while your mom can still participate in care decisions
Working with healthcare providers gives you clear answers and guidance for next steps
Memory care communities offer specialized support designed to help families navigate this challenging time

Watching your mom struggle with memory or daily tasks can leave you feeling worried and uncertain. You might notice she’s repeating stories, forgetting appointments, or seeming confused about things that used to be second nature to her.

Memory changes can be signs of normal aging, but they can also signal the early stages of dementia or other cognitive conditions that require professional evaluation and support. Knowing what to watch for can help you understand when it’s time to have important conversations and seek the right care in communities that offer specialized memory care services.

What Are The Early Warning Signs of Dementia?

The early signs of dementia can be subtle at first, making them difficult to recognize — especially when they involve someone you love. What may seem like simple forgetfulness can gradually become patterns that signal something more serious. Your mom might start forgetting recent conversations or events repeatedly, even when you remind her multiple times. She could have difficulty remembering names of close family members she’s known for decades.

You might notice she gets lost in familiar places like her neighborhood grocery store or struggles to find her way home from locations she’s visited many times before. She may also start misplacing items in unusual locations, like putting her keys in the refrigerator or her purse in the bathroom cabinet.

Changes in Daily Activities and Routine

Managing finances often becomes challenging early on. Your mom might have trouble paying bills on time, forget to pay them altogether, or make unusual financial decisions that don’t seem like her typical judgment.

Simple tasks she’s done for years can become confusing. She might struggle to follow familiar recipes, forget how to use household appliances, or have problems with personal hygiene and grooming routines. You may also notice confusion about time, dates, or seasons, like getting dressed for winter in summer or thinking it’s morning when it’s evening.

Social and Personality Shifts

Social withdrawal often happens gradually. Your mom might stop participating in activities or hobbies she once enjoyed, decline invitations to family gatherings, or seem less interested in maintaining friendships.

Personality changes can include mood swings that seem out of character, increased confusion during conversations, or agitation when faced with situations that used to be manageable. She might have difficulty following conversations, lose track of what people are saying, or struggle to find the right words to express her thoughts.

How To Differentiate Between Normal Aging vs Memory Concerns

Typical Memory Changes As We Age

Everyone experiences some memory changes as they get older. Occasional forgetfulness about names, appointments, or where you put your glasses is normal and usually doesn’t interfere with daily life.

Taking longer to learn new things, needing to write things down more often, or sometimes feeling overwhelmed when juggling multiple tasks are also typical parts of aging. These changes might be frustrating, but they don’t usually prevent someone from living independently or maintaining their relationships.

When Memory Changes Signal Something More

More concerning signs include forgetting how to do familiar tasks like cooking, driving, or using the telephone. Getting confused about where you are, even in familiar places, or having difficulty recognizing family members points to changes that need professional evaluation.

Poor judgment in financial decisions, like giving money to strangers or making large purchases they can’t afford, often indicates cognitive changes beyond normal aging. These behaviors can put your mom’s safety and financial security at risk.

Next Steps for Getting Help and Answers

Working with Healthcare Providers

Schedule an appointment with her primary care doctor to discuss your concerns and get a professional evaluation. Keep a journal of concerning behaviors or incidents to share with the healthcare team, including dates, times, and specific examples.

Ask about cognitive assessments or memory screenings that can help identify the cause of the changes you’re seeing. These evaluations can rule out other medical conditions that might affect memory, like vitamin deficiencies or medication side effects. Consider getting a second opinion if you feel your concerns aren’t being addressed adequately.

Exploring Care Options Early

Research memory care communities in your area while your mom can still participate in the decision-making process. Look into assisted living with specialized support that can adapt to her changing needs over time.

Consider respite care services that can give you breaks while providing professional support for your mom. Connect with local support groups for families dealing with similar situations, where you can find practical advice and emotional support from people who understand what you’re going through.

Navigate The Next Chapter With Support and Care

Recognizing that your mom might need memory care support can feel overwhelming, but taking action shows how much you care about her wellbeing. Whether she needs a little extra help with daily activities or more specialized memory care, communities like Norbella Senior Living in Champlin offer the support and knowledge your family needs during this time.

The sooner you reach out for help, the more options you’ll have to create a plan that works for everyone. Your mom deserves to live with dignity and joy, and you deserve support as you help her through this journey. Contact Norbella Senior Living at Champlin to schedule a tour and learn about how memory care services can support your family.

A senior looks out a window, thinking about something nice.

7 Stages of Alzheimer’s: Care Tips for Each Stage

By Norbella Senior Livingin Dementia, Memory Care

Key Takeaways

Understanding the seven stages of Alzheimer’s helps you anticipate changes and provide appropriate care.
Early planning, home safety modifications, and building a support network are critical as cognitive decline progresses.
Memory care services offer specialized environments to support both the individual and their family.
Each stage of Alzheimer’s presents unique challenges and opportunities for meaningful connection.
Knowledge of the condition empowers informed care decisions and preparation for future needs.

Understanding Alzheimer’s Progression

Watching a loved one navigate Alzheimer’s can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re unsure what to expect next. Each person’s journey with this condition unfolds differently, but understanding the general progression can help you provide the right kind of support.

The seven stages of Alzheimer’s provide a roadmap for caregivers, helping you anticipate changes and adjust your care approach as your loved one’s needs evolve. From early memory lapses to advanced care requirements, each stage brings distinct challenges and opportunities. Understanding what Alzheimer’s is—and how it progresses—empowers you to make informed decisions and provide compassionate care throughout the journey.

Early Stages: No Impairment to Mild Cognitive Decline

Stage 1: No Memory Problems

During this stage, your loved one functions normally without any noticeable memory issues. They handle daily activities independently and show no signs of cognitive decline during medical evaluations.

Use this time to have important conversations about future care preferences and financial planning. Start researching potential care options and discussing your loved one’s wishes for different scenarios.

Stage 2: Very Mild Memory Lapses

Small forgetfulness begins to appear, such as misplacing familiar objects or occasionally forgetting names. These changes often appear to be a normal part of aging rather than signs of cognitive decline.

Now is the time to document your loved one’s care preferences in detail. Record their thoughts about living arrangements, medical decisions, and daily routines while they can clearly express their wishes. Help organize important documents like insurance papers, financial records, and medical information. Creating a comprehensive filing system now will save you significant stress later.

Stage 3: Mild Cognitive Changes Become Noticeable

Memory problems become more apparent to family members and close friends. Your loved one might struggle with word-finding, have difficulty concentrating, or show decreased work performance.

Take on medication management responsibilities by setting up pill organizers and reminder systems. Consider using smartphone apps or alarm clocks to help maintain medication schedules. Evaluate driving safety carefully and consider taking over transportation duties. Look for signs like getting lost in familiar areas, slow reaction times, or difficulty following traffic rules.

Middle Stages: Moderate Cognitive Decline

Stage 4: Clear Mental Decline and Need for Daily Support

Cognitive changes become undeniable, affecting your loved one’s ability to manage complex tasks. They might struggle with financial management, cooking elaborate meals, or handling detailed planning.

Step in to help with everyday tasks like bill paying, grocery shopping, and meal preparation. Break down complex activities into smaller, manageable steps that your loved one can still participate in. Understanding activities of daily living helps you identify which areas need support.

Make safety modifications around the home by removing tripping hazards, installing grab bars, and ensuring adequate lighting. Consider adding locks to cabinets containing cleaning supplies or medications.

Stage 5: Moderately Severe Decline and Increased Care Needs

Memory gaps become more significant, and your loved one may forget important details like their address, phone number, or current season. Confusion about time and place increases noticeably.

Provide gentle assistance with personal care activities like choosing appropriate clothing for the weather or remembering to bathe regularly. Maintain their dignity by offering help rather than taking over completely.

This stage typically lasts 2-4 years, though the timeline varies significantly between individuals. Some people progress through these 7 stages over 8-12 years, while others may experience a different pace entirely.

Advanced Stages: Severe Cognitive Decline

Stage 6: Severe Memory Loss and Personality Changes

Your loved one may not recognize family members consistently or remember significant life events. Personality changes become more pronounced, and behavioral challenges often increase.

Arrange for 24-hour supervision to keep your loved one safe. They may wander, become agitated easily, or need help with most daily activities, including eating and using the bathroom. Learn about wandering prevention strategies to keep your loved one secure.

Stage 7: Very Severe Decline and Around-the-Clock Care

Physical abilities decline significantly along with cognitive function. Your loved one may experience difficulty walking, sitting up, or swallowing, and verbal communication may become severely limited.

Prioritize comfort and dignity in all care activities. Focus on maintaining physical comfort through proper positioning, gentle touch, and creating a peaceful environment. Allow your loved one to sleep when they need rest, but encourage gentle activity during waking hours. While increased sleeping is common, maintaining some daily rhythm can help with overall well-being.

Creating a Supportive Care Environment

Transform your home environment to support safety and independence at each stage. Remove scatter rugs, improve lighting, and create clear pathways throughout the house.

Memory care communities become valuable when home care becomes overwhelming or unsafe. These specialized environments provide structured activities, trained staff, and secure settings designed for people with cognitive changes. Memory care guidance can help you evaluate different options and understand what to look for in a quality program.

Build a reliable care team including healthcare providers, family members, and potentially professional caregivers. Having multiple people involved prevents caregiver burnout and provides better overall support.

Moving Forward with Compassionate Care

Remember that caring for yourself is just as important as caring for your loved one. Take regular breaks, maintain your own health appointments, and don’t hesitate to ask for help when you need it.

At NorBella Senior Living at Centerville, we understand how challenging this journey can be for families. Our memory care communities provide specialized support designed around each person’s individual needs, giving you peace of mind while honoring your loved one’s dignity. Contact us today to schedule a tour and learn how we can support your family through this important transition.

An older adult rubs the palm of their hand before trying the finger-interlocking test to check their cognitive abilities and flexibility

What Is the Interlocking Finger Test for Dementia?

By Norbella Senior Livingin Dementia, Memory Care

Key Takeaways

The interlocking finger test helps evaluate cognitive and motor function in people with Parkinson’s disease.
It measures comprehension, coordination, and short-term memory recall.
Early deentia symptoms include confusion, visual-spatial challenges, and emotional changes.
The test offers valuable insight but does not diagnose dementia on its own.
Memory care communities provide structure, routine, and safety for people experiencing cognitive decline.
Professional care helps prevent caregiver burnout while providing a safe environment for your loved one

The Finger-Interlocking Dementia Test

Watching a loved one experience cognitive changes can be confusing and emotional. You may notice small lapses and wonder whether they’re part of normal aging or signs of something more. For many families, recognizing these changes is the first step toward getting answers and the professional support their loved one needs. Fortunately, testing a loved one’s cognitive abilities is often easier than people think.

The Interlocking Finger Test is a simple screening tool that healthcare providers use to assess cognitive function. It can be used for most types of dementia, but it’s most effective for testing for Parkinson’s disease. This test helps identify when dementia is affecting motor coordination, comprehension, and memory recall abilities.

Parkinson’s Disease and Its Impact

Parkinson’s dementia occurs when the brain changes caused by Parkinson’s disease begin to influence thinking, memory, and reasoning abilities. These symptoms typically appear years after the initial Parkinson’s diagnosis, but when they do, they can make daily life and independent activities more difficult.

Unlike other forms of cognitive decline, Parkinson’s dementia affects executive function, attention, and visual-spatial processing. Your loved one may have trouble planning tasks, interpreting visual information, or following conversations for long periods. Over time, these challenges can make it harder to stay safe and engaged at home.

Common Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease

Early signs of dementia linked to Parkinson’s disease often develop gradually. Families may first notice shifts in mood, focus, or problem-solving ability before memory issues become obvious.

Eventually, Parkinson’s disease can lead to:

Confusion about time or location
Difficulty following multistep directions
Changes in attention or concentration
Challenges with visual perception
Increased anxiety or emotional changes

If you’ve noticed these symptoms in a loved one, don’t ignore them. Instead, book a visit with a healthcare professional as soon as you can. A professional diagnosis is the first step towards giving your loved one the care they need.

How Symptoms Progress Over Time

Parkinson’s dementia tends to advance slowly. In the early stages, confusion or forgetfulness might be mild and intermittent. As the condition progresses, it can affect language, reasoning, and recognition of familiar people or places.

These symptoms worsen as changes in the brain progress further. Eventually, a person living with Parkinson’s disease and dementia will need professional memory care.

How the Interlocking Finger Test Works

Before performing the finger interlocking test, a provider demonstrates how to interlace the fingers in a specific pattern. Your loved one is asked to copy the pattern right away and then repeat it later from memory. This short, non-invasive task only takes a few minutes and requires no equipment.

The goal is to observe how well the person:

Processes visual instructions
Coordinates hand movements
Remembers a pattern after a short delay

These skills often decline early in Parkinson’s dementia. That’s why this test is a useful screening tool for identifying when additional evaluation or support might be beneficial.

Why This Test Matters for Families

While the test itself isn’t diagnostic, its results can highlight areas where your loved one might be struggling. If your loved one struggles with understanding instructions or completing everyday tasks, this test can highlight these problems. However, it’s not a guaranteed diagnosis, but just one piece of the puzzle.

An older adult laces their hands behind their back to test their cognitive abilities

Memory Care Services and What They Provide

If a loved one is showing signs of cognitive decline, it’s likely time to think about memory care. These communities are designed to support people living with dementia or other forms of cognitive decline. Memory care offers 24-hour professional supervision in warm, homelike settings built to preserve quality of life..

Personalized Care Approaches

In memory care, every resident’s care plan is developed around their strengths, abilities, and preferences. The focus is on maintaining quality of life and offering hands-on support where it’s needed most.

Memory care communities offer all kinds of engaging programs, events, and activities to stimulate the mind. Activities may include motor skill exercises, sensory programs, and memory-focused therapy. Each plan evolves as residents’ needs shift, ensuring consistent, compassionate care over time.

Creating a Safe and Engaging Environment

Senior living makes a significant difference in daily comfort and safety. Within this structure, residents find a balance between familiarity and gentle stimulation—all in an environment that nurtures calm, confidence, and belonging.

Taking the Next Steps in Your Care Journey

When cognitive decline begins to affect your loved one’s daily life, specialized care can provide the comfort, safety, and structure they need. It’s about more than assistance—it’s about helping them continue to live with dignity and purpose.If you’re considering memory care or independent living options for your loved one, we’d love to show you what makes NorBella Centerville different. Our warm, supportive community provides specialized care while honoring each resident’s individuality and personal story. Book a tour with us today, and let us show you how we’re changing the story of aging with compassion, expertise, and genuine care.

An older adult looks at a bowl of yogurt uninterestedly while sitting alone in their kitchen.

Can Dementia Cause Weight Loss?

By Norbella Senior Livingin Dementia

Key Takeaways

Dementia often leads to gradual, unintentional weight loss due to physical and behavioral changes.
Appetite, taste, and memory shifts make it harder for people with dementia to maintain healthy eating habits.
Malnutrition impacts strength, focus, and immune health, often worsening other symptoms over time.
Simple strategies—like smaller meals, calm dining areas, and familiar foods—can help improve intake.
Memory care programs support daily nutrition through structured mealtimes, monitoring, and compassionate guidance.

Dementia and Weight Loss

Caring for someone with dementia means paying attention to more than just memory changes. While cognitive decline plays a role, several physical and behavioral factors also contribute. One often overlooked concern is weight loss, which can develop gradually. This isn’t about appearance—it can quickly affect your loved one’s health and well-being.

Dementia is a complex condition. Without the right level of care, it can affect almost every aspect of your loved one’s life. That’s why memory care communities offer engaging programs and nutritious meal plans to help residents with dementia preserve their quality of life.

Dementia and Its Physical Effects

Dementia is a neurological condition that affects much more than just memory. It impacts how your loved one thinks, communicates, and performs daily activities. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia, but several other forms can affect the brain.

Weight loss becomes a growing concern because dementia affects the brain regions that control appetite, hunger signals, and the complex process of eating. Your loved one might not recognize hunger cues or may forget they haven’t eaten, and this leads to unintentional weight loss over time. This can easily lead to other physical problems that affect someone’s quality of life.

How Dementia Leads to Unintentional Weight Loss

Weight loss related to dementia is often gradual and easy to overlook. It doesn’t always stem from one cause—instead, it reflects a mix of physical, cognitive, and behavioral changes. These shifts may affect how a person eats, how food tastes, or whether they remember to eat at all.

Several symptoms may contribute to weight loss as dementia progresses. These include:

Skipping meals due to memory loss or confusion about mealtimes
Reduced appetite from medications or changes in daily routines
Difficulty swallowing or discomfort while eating
Diminished sense of taste or smell, making food less appealing
Lack of interest in food or eating due to mood or cognitive changes
Trouble preparing meals or eating without support

If these sound familiar, it’s time to make some changes. Simple shifts in your loved one’s routine often make a significant difference.

Why Proper Nutrition Matters for Someone with Dementia

Good nutrition plays an important role in brain function. For someone living with dementia, changes in appetite or eating habits may lead to missed meals and limited nutrient intake. This isn’t a short-term problem, either—it can affect strength, focus, and overall health.

When nutritional needs aren’t met, a person is at a higher risk of:

Weakened immune function, leading to more frequent illness
Increased risk of falls due to reduced muscle tone and bone health
Slower healing from minor injuries or skin breakdown
Decreased stamina or physical strength throughout the day
Challenges with memory, focus, or alertness
Changes in mood or motivation tied to low energy levels

These tend to worsen over time, which makes dementia’s effects on the brain worse.

Practical Strategies to Prevent Weight Loss

Creating positive eating experiences starts with understanding what works for your loved one at their current stage. Prioritizing calorie-dense, nutrient-rich foods also helps meet dietary needs without overwhelming portions.

A caregiver checks in on an appreciative resident during breakfast in the lounge of their home in senior living.

Familiar Foods and Consistent Routines

Serve familiar meals your loved one already enjoys, and keep healthy snacks within view throughout the day. A consistent daily rhythm around meals helps reduce confusion and build comfort.

Making Mealtimes Visually Clear

Bright-colored plates that contrast with the food can make meals easier to see and recognize. This simple change makes mealtimes more stimulating, which helps keep your loved one focused on their meal.

Creating a Calm Environment

Minimize noise and remove background distractions like television during meals. A quiet, welcoming space encourages focus and relaxation at the table. It also reduces stress and the risk of distractions.

Supporting Independence with Small Tools

Utensils with easy-grip handles, divided plates, or non-slip bowls can help your loved one eat with more independence. These small tools support dignity and reduce frustration during meals.

Professional Support and Memory Care Programs

When a loved one lives with dementia, it creates new daily challenges. Your loved one may need more support in their daily life than your family can provide at home. Fortunately, with the right memory care community at your side, your loved one can still thrive.

In memory care, trained professionals are available every day to help your loved one. They create structured dining times, offer familiar food choices, and monitor intake to help residents stay comfortable and well-fed. They also recognize early signs of nutritional changes and adjust care plans when needed—all while creating a calm, welcoming environment.

For families, this added layer of support brings peace of mind. With daily nutrition handled thoughtfully and consistently, everybody feels more at ease.

How Memory Care Supports Your Loved One, Every Day

When a loved one lives with dementia, everyday needs—like nutrition and mealtimes—often require extra care and attention. Memory care offers the structure, support, and thoughtful routines that help maintain comfort, dignity, and well-being at every stage. And here at NorBella Savage, we’re ready to help your family navigate this time.

If you’re concerned about weight loss or other changes in your loved one with dementia, we’re here to help. Our memory care lifestyle is built around personalized routines, family involvement, and compassionate care that adapts as your loved one’s needs evolve. Schedule a tour today to see how our memory care community can support your family.

An adult child talks to a neurologist in their well-decorated office after the doctor examined their older parent

16 Questions You Must Ask a Neurologist About Dementia

By Norbella Senior Livingin Dementia, Memory Care

Key Takeaways

Ask specific questions about diagnosis type, stage, and treatment options during neurologist visits
Focus on safety concerns like driving, home modifications, and daily living adjustments
The right questions let you plan for care team coordination and community support
Your neurologist can often even recommend effective communication strategies for behavioral changes and confusion

What to Ask a Neurologist

Walking into a neurologist’s office with your loved one can feel daunting. You might sense that something isn’t right, but aren’t sure how to describe it—or what to ask once you’re there. Preparing thoughtful questions ahead of time can help you feel more confident and help your loved one receive the support they need.

Asking the right questions about your loved one’s behavior helps you understand what’s happening. It also lets you plan ahead for the future and find a memory care community for your loved one. So, what are some of the best questions to ask a neurologist about dementia?

The Diagnosis and What It Means for Your Family

First, focus on the diagnosis itself. What’s causing your loved one’s symptoms, and what can you do about it? These are the biggest questions, so start with these.

Is This Normal Aging, Mild Cognitive Impairment, or Dementia?

Memory changes happen as we age, but significant forgetfulness isn’t always normal. Ask your neurologist to explain the difference between typical aging and more serious cognitive changes. Then, ask them to highlight specific symptoms and why they’re a concern.

What Type of Dementia Are We Dealing With?

Different types of dementia progress differently and affect people in unique ways. Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, and Lewy body dementia each have distinct patterns. When you know the specific type, you can learn what to expect in the future.

What Stage Are We In and What Can We Expect?

Dementia progresses through different stages, from mild to moderate to severe. Ask about the current stage and what changes you might see in the coming months or years. This information helps families plan for care needs and make decisions about living arrangements.

Treatment Options and Medications Available

Once you understand the underlying condition, it’s time to plan ahead for treatment.

Are There FDA-Approved Medications That Can Help?

Some medications may ease memory loss or behavioral changes. Ask your neurologist which options are most suitable and what side effects to monitor. Your neurologist can explain how these treatments work and what improvements you might realistically expect.

What About Clinical Trials and New Treatments?

Research continues to advance in dementia treatment, and clinical trials offer access to newer therapies. Ask if your loved one qualifies for any current trials or experimental treatments. Your neurologist can help you weigh the benefits and risks of participating in research programs.

Which Medications Should We Avoid?

Certain prescriptions or over-the-counter drugs can worsen confusion. Ask for a list of medications to avoid and share it with all care providers to make sure your loved one’s treatment remains safe and coordinated.

How Will We Know if Treatments Are Working?

Understanding what success looks like helps set realistic expectations. Ask how long it takes to see improvements and what signs indicate treatments are helping. Sometimes, slowing decline rather than improving function is the goal.

Safety Concerns and Daily Living Adjustments

Dementia affects both independence and safety. Proactive planning can prevent accidents and reduce stress—for everyone involved.

When Should We Stop Driving and How Do We Handle That Conversation?

Driving independence is often difficult to give up. Ask your neurologist for warning signs that suggest it’s time to stop driving. Framing this decision as a medical recommendation can make the transition smoother.

Is It Safe for Your Loved One to Be Alone at Home?

As dementia symptoms progress, home safety becomes a central concern. Ask about signs that indicate it’s time for extra supervision or in‑home support. Wandering, leaving appliances on, or forgetting daily routines are key issues to discuss.

What Home Safety Changes Do We Need to Make?

Simple changes—like removing tripping hazards, labeling rooms, or improving lighting—can help prevent confusion. Ask if an occupational therapist can assess the home and recommend improvements to make daily life safer and easier.

A neurologist gestures to a handheld tablet in their office while showing an older adult the diagnostic results of their latest examination

Planning for Care and Support Services

You don’t have to navigate this journey alone. Building a care network early can help your loved one stay supported and comfortable.

Which Healthcare Professionals Should Join Our Care Team?

Dementia care often requires a team approach beyond just the neurologist. Ask about working with geriatricians, social workers, occupational therapists, and other specialists. Building this team early helps coordinate care and provides multiple sources of support for your family.

What Community Resources and Support Groups Are Available?

Support groups, adult day programs, and respite services can ease caregiver stress and help families feel connected. Ask about local or online programs in your area, because these are invaluable resources. They often become lifelines for families navigating this journey.

When Should We Consider Memory Care or Assisted Living Options?

Recognizing when home care is no longer safe can be difficult. Ask your neurologist what behaviors or risks might indicate it’s time to explore memory care. These communities provide secure environments, structured routines, and social engagement designed for people with dementia. They can help reduce dementia’s effect on your loved one’s life and preserve their dignity and quality of life.

Communication Strategies and Behavioral Changes

Even as memory fades, connection is still possible. Learning new ways to communicate and respond can make daily life more peaceful for everyone.

How Should We Communicate When Memory Gets Worse?

Simple, calm language and eye contact can make a big difference. Ask your neurologist or a speech therapist for specific communication strategies tailored to your loved one’s condition. They may recommend speech therapy or specific strategies for your loved one’s situation.

What Should We Do When Confusion or Agitation Happens?

Behavioral changes are common with dementia and can be distressing for everyone involved. Ask about triggers that commonly cause agitation and techniques for responding calmly. Understanding that these behaviors stem from the condition, not personal choices, helps families respond with compassion.

How Can We Handle Wandering and Sleep Problems?

Sleep disruption and wandering create safety concerns and family stress. Ask about strategies for maintaining regular sleep schedules and preventing unsafe wandering. Your neurologist might suggest environmental modifications or medications to help with these challenging behaviors.

Moving Forward with Confidence and Hope

When home care becomes challenging, memory care can make all the difference. Communities like ours at Norbella Prior Lake are built to support your family and help your loved one thrive—even if cognitive decline is involved.

In our community, we provide memory care built around safety, familiarity, and dignity. Our team understands that every journey is unique, and we work closely with families to create personalized care that supports each resident’s well-being. Schedule a tour today to see how we can help your loved one feel secure, supported, and seen.

A senior together on a couch smiling in a cozy living room with natural light and houseplant nearby

When Should Someone With Dementia Go For Memory Care?

By Norbella Senior Livingin Dementia, Memory Care

Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease gradually impair memory, reasoning, and the ability to perform everyday tasks. Over time, individuals may struggle with communication, forget important routines, or become disoriented even in familiar surroundings. These challenges can make it increasingly difficult—and unsafe—for them to live independently.

Deciding when it’s time for memory care is rarely straightforward. It depends on many factors, including cognitive decline, physical health, emotional well-being, and caregiver capacity. While every journey is unique, there are common signs that indicate when a supportive, structured environment may be the best next step for your loved one.

Recognizing these signs early can help you plan thoughtfully and ensure your loved one receives the care and dignity they deserve.

What Is Memory Care & How Does It Help?

Memory care is a specialized form of senior living designed to support those with Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia.

These communities are staffed by trained professionals who understand the unique needs of individuals with cognitive impairments. In addition to daily support with tasks like bathing, dressing, and meals, memory care also provides enriching activities that stimulate the mind, reduce confusion, and improve quality of life.

In Centerville, often turn to memory care communities when safety and well-being become a concern at home. The structure, support, and personalized routines of memory care can help seniors live with greater comfort and dignity.

Experts categorize cognitive decline into different stages to provide a clearer picture of the disease’s progression. From early-stage dementia to advanced stages, each stage requires varying levels of care and supervision. Understanding these stages is key in deciding when memory care might be needed.

What Are the Signs That It Might Be Time for Memory Care?

There is no single moment that defines when someone should transition to memory care—but there are several key signs to watch for.

Each family’s experience is different, but when day-to-day life becomes unsafe or unmanageable, memory care may offer the support your loved one needs.

Declining Cognitive Health

Cognitive decline can manifest in various ways. Memory lapses become more frequent, and individuals may struggle with tasks that were once second nature.

Other signs of cognitive decline include:

Difficulty concentrating or following conversations
Forgetting names, dates, or appointments
Trouble remembering to take medications—or taking them incorrectly
Confusion about time, places, and familiar surroundings

As these cognitive challenges become more pronounced, safety becomes a critical concern. Dementia can cause individuals to forget basic routines, lose track of time, or even wander away from familiar environments.

Increased Safety Risks

Wandering, forgetting to turn off the stove, or frequent falls are serious safety red flags. If you find yourself constantly worried about your loved one being alone or unsupervised, that may be a signal that additional care is necessary.

Inability to Manage Daily Tasks

As dementia progresses, daily routines can become overwhelming. Missed meals, unopened mail, poor hygiene, and medication errors can put your loved one at risk—especially if they live alone.

Changes in Mood or Behavior

Confusion, agitation, withdrawal, and personality shifts can happen as dementia progresses. If your loved one is becoming difficult to console or unpredictable in their behaviour, memory care may provide the consistent, compassionate support they need.

Caregiver Burnout

Caring for a loved one with dementia is physically and emotionally exhausting. If caregiving is affecting your mental health, relationships, or job performance, it may be time to explore other options for their care—and your own well-being.

A caregiver talking to 2 senior residents with her arm around their shoulder, sharing smiles and laughter.

How Is Memory Care Different from Assisted Living?

Families in Centerville often ask whether memory care is the same as assisted living—but there are several key differences.

Both offer help with daily tasks, but memory care provides a more structured and secure environment tailored to cognitive decline.

Specialized Staff Training

Memory care teams are trained in dementia-specific care techniques, including communication strategies and redirection approaches that support emotional regulation and reduce distress.

Enhanced Safety Features

Memory care communities include additional safety features such as secured exits, motion sensors, and enclosed outdoor spaces to help prevent wandering and injury.

Customized Programs & Routines

Daily activities are designed to encourage connection, stimulate memory, and offer a sense of familiarity. Programs are individualized based on each person’s cognitive ability and interests.

Why Starting Memory Care Early Can Be Helpful

While there’s no universal “right time” for everyone, early-stage dementia can still require more assistance than families might initially realize. In the beginning, some individuals may be able to live independently with minimal support. However, as dementia progresses, the challenges of self-care and safety become more apparent.

Many families wait until a crisis occurs before making the move to memory care—but earlier transitions can make the process smoother. When individuals still have some independence, they can become more familiar with their surroundings, form connections with staff and peers, and take part in meaningful activities.

Early transitions can also help minimize the stress of a major life change. Moving while a loved one is still relatively adaptable often leads to better outcomes—both emotionally and cognitively.

What Should You Look for in a Memory Care Community?

Finding the right fit is important. Every community has its own environment, programs, and care philosophy.

When touring communities in Centerville or surrounding areas, consider the following:

Is the environment calm, clean, and secure?
Are staff members engaged and compassionate with residents?
What kind of social activities and enrichment programs are offered?
How do they handle emergencies or medical needs?
Are families encouraged to be involved?

Asking these questions helps ensure your loved one will receive not only excellent care—but also the respect, dignity, and joy they deserve.

What Are the Next Steps?

If you’re starting to ask whether memory care might be right for your loved one, you’re already on the right path.

Take time to explore local options, talk with your family, and consult with healthcare professionals. Making this decision is never easy, but with the right guidance, you can find a path forward that supports everyone involved.

A Community That Understands With Compassion

Deciding on memory care can be emotional—but you don’t have to do it alone. In Centerville, Norbella offers a supportive, dignified environment where seniors can thrive.

We take care of life’s daily burdens so residents are free to focus on connection, growth, and joy. Our cozy memory care neighborhood features just 16 apartments, allowing for personalized care and meaningful relationships.

From engaging activities to compassionate support, every detail is designed with your loved one’s well-being in mind. With Norbella, you’ll find more than care—you’ll find community, fulfillment, and peace of mind.

Schedule a tour, ask questions, or simply start a conversation. We’re here to help you take the next step with confidence and care.