Noticing Memory Changes in Mom or Dad? Here’s What to Know

Written By Laurie Miller

Caring for a parent who seems a little “off” can feel overwhelming—especially when you’re not sure what’s normal or what to do next. At Apple Care and Companion, we’ve helped families in Dallas and the surrounding area navigate early memory loss and cognitive decline with empathy and expertise. If you're seeing changes in someone you love, this FAQ is here to guide you.

1. What are early signs of cognitive decline?

Signs may include:

  • Repeating stories or questions

  • Difficulty following conversations

  • Getting lost in familiar places

  • Trouble managing bills or medications

  • Mood or personality changes

    👉 Tip: Trust your instincts—and if something feels off, it’s worth having it checked.

2. Normal aging vs. dementia—how do you tell?

Normal aging may involve forgetfulness; dementia means daily life is affected—difficulty completing tasks, disorientation, impaired judgment.

3. How do I bring it up to them?

Gently. A calm moment could be:

“I’ve noticed you’ve been forgetting a few more things lately. I just want to make sure everything’s okay. Would you be open to talking to a doctor about it?”

4. Which doctor should we see?

Start with their primary care physician. They may refer you to a geriatrician, neurologist, or memory clinic for cognitive testing, medication reviews, and bloodwork.

5. What can I do today to help?

  • Organize important documents (health records, power of attorney, Long-Term Care Insurance, etc)

  • Keep notes of changes

  • Use reminders: pill organizers, calendars, alerts

  • Consider safety tech: GPS trackers, medication systems, sensor-based monitoring, check in apps

6. Is this dementia?

Not necessarily—it could be stress, fatigue, meds, or other conditions. The earlier you assess, the more options you have.

7. I can’t be there every day—what then?

Many adult children juggle busy lives. You could use:

  • In-home care support (like our local services)

  • Check-in technology

  • Professional care managers

  • Virtual family meetings

✅ Support from Apple Care and Companion

If you're unsure what to do next, we’re here. Our team provides personalized in-home and dementia support across the Dallas area.

👉 Contact us today or call 469-619-5474 for a free consultation.

🧩 Helpful Resources & Links

Laurie Miller
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