Pauline's Dementia: Early Warning Sign

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Post on Jan 22, 2025

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Pauline's Dementia: Early Warning Signs – A Daughter's Story

Hey everyone, this is tough to write, but I feel like sharing my experience with my mom, Pauline, and her dementia journey might help others. It's been a rollercoaster, let me tell you. I’m hoping this helps someone else catch the early warning signs of dementia sooner than we did.

Those First Little Things…

It started subtly. Really subtly. Like, so subtle that I almost dismissed it as just "Pauline being Pauline." She'd misplace her keys – a lot. A lot a lot. Then, she'd repeat herself, sometimes within the same sentence! I'd laugh it off, thinking, "She's just tired," or "Stress from work, I guess." Classic daughter minimizing the obvious, right? 🤦‍♀️

Looking back, those were some of the early warning signs of dementia. The memory lapses, the repetition – they were creeping in slowly, disguised as simple forgetfulness.

The "Senior Moment" Trap

We all have those "senior moments," right? Forgetting where you put your glasses, or a name. But with Pauline, it became more frequent, more pronounced. It wasn't just forgetting where she put her keys; it was forgetting what keys were for. It wasn’t just forgetting a name; it was forgetting who the person was.

The Turning Point: The Misplaced Bills

The real wake-up call? The unpaid bills. Not just a few late payments, but a whole stack of unopened mail. That's when the panic really set in. This wasn't just stress anymore; something was seriously wrong. This was a major red flag, and one that many people ignore. Don’t ignore this!

That’s when I started researching. I learned about different types of dementia – Alzheimer's being the most common, but also vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and more. It's a confusing world, and honestly, it felt overwhelming. I wish I'd known about these early signs sooner.

Practical Tips for Early Detection

• Keep a journal: Note down any unusual changes in behavior, memory lapses, or difficulty with daily tasks. Dates are super important!
• Regular check-ups: Schedule regular check-ups with your doctor. Even if you feel it's "nothing," a professional opinion can give you peace of mind, or a diagnosis.
• Cognitive tests: If you suspect something, ask your doctor about cognitive tests. These can help assess memory and thinking skills.
• Talk to family: Don’t suffer in silence. Open communication with family members can help you get different perspectives and maybe even catch signs you’ve missed.

The Diagnosis and Beyond

Getting the diagnosis was heartbreaking, but it was also a relief. It gave us a name to the problem, which enabled us to start making plans. It was a long and emotional journey, but we did our best to navigate it.

Learning how to communicate with Mom became a critical skill. We had to adapt our communication style, be patient, and avoid getting frustrated. It was tough, but it’s gotten easier over time.

Finding Support

Don't underestimate the power of support groups. Connecting with other families facing similar challenges has been invaluable. Sharing experiences, learning tips and tricks, and just knowing you're not alone can make all the difference.

This whole experience has been, well, a journey. It’s been a mix of sadness, frustration, love, and even moments of unexpected joy. It hasn't been easy, but learning about and recognizing the early warning signs of dementia can help you and your family cope. Remember, early detection is key.

Remember Pauline's Story

So, please, take this as a wake-up call. Don’t make the same mistakes I did in dismissing those initial signs of dementia. Pay attention to the subtle changes, document them, and don't hesitate to seek professional help. Early intervention makes a huge difference. Early detection can significantly improve the quality of life for both the patient and their family. This is what I wish I had learned sooner!