Is It Just Forgetfulness—Or Something More?” Five Warning Signs of Cognitive Decline in Aging Parents
- Barbara Stratte
- Apr 7
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 9
Because watching someone you love slowly fade isn’t just hard—it’s heartbreaking.
Let’s talk about something most of us aren’t ready for, yet so many of us face: the slow, quiet shift when a parent’s memory begins to slip.
Whether it starts with simple forgetfulness or leads to a life-altering diagnosis like dementia or Alzheimer’s, cognitive decline can shake the foundation of a family. It brings fear, grief, confusion and a whole lot of overwhelm.
Understanding what’s happening and how to respond doesn’t just help your parent—it gives you peace too.
What Is Cognitive Decline, Really?
Cognitive decline means a noticeable deterioration in mental abilities like memory, reasoning, and language. And while some forgetfulness is normal with aging (who hasn’t walked into a room and forgotten why, I do this constantly by they way), more serious memory challenges need our attention.
Normal Aging vs. Cognitive Decline
Normal: Occasionally misplacing keys or forgetting a name but recalling it later.
Cognitive Decline: Frequently forgetting conversations, struggling to complete familiar tasks, or becoming disoriented in known places.
Types of Memory Disorders
Not all memory loss is the same. Understanding the nuances helps you know what you’re dealing with and what to expect.
Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI): Memory loss is noticeable but doesn’t interfere significantly with daily life—yet.
Dementia: A broad term for conditions that affect memory, reasoning, and social skills severely enough to interfere with daily life.
Alzheimer’s Disease: The most common form, marked by progressive memory loss, confusion, and personality changes.
Other Forms: Vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia all come with their own symptoms and challenges.
Early Warning Signs to Watch For
If you’re seeing changes and wondering, “Is this normal?”—here are some red flags:
🔁 Repeating questions or forgetting recent events
💸 Unusual financial decisions or poor judgment
🕰️ Losing track of time, dates, or familiar places
🗣️ Struggling to find words or follow conversations
😔 Mood swings, increased anxiety, or withdrawal
If these signs sound familiar, it’s time to take action—but gently.
What To Do If You Notice the Signs
It’s not just what you do—it’s how you do it that matters.
1. Start the Conversation With Compassion
Choose a calm, private time.
Use “I” statements: “I’ve noticed you’ve been forgetting things more often, and I’m concerned.”
Be patient. Denial is normal—keep the door open.
2. Encourage a Medical Evaluation
Schedule a doctor visit to rule out treatable issues (like vitamin deficiencies or medication side effects).
Ask for a referral to a specialist like a neurologist or geriatrician.
Pro tip: If they don’t already use hearing aids—this alone can make a big difference in cognitive function.
3. Prepare for the Diagnosis
If it is dementia or Alzheimer’s, get educated. Talk openly about future wishes—while your parent still has a say. Legal, financial, and care planning conversations are tough but crucial.
Managing Daily Life: Practical Support That Helps
Once you have a diagnosis (or even just strong suspicions), your role shifts from “watching” to guiding. Here’s how to make the everyday a little smoother:
1. Create Routines
Familiar schedules ease anxiety and help with memory. Keep things consistent. Keep it simple.
2. Use Memory Tools
Large calendars, to-do lists, pill organizers.
Label cabinets and drawers to reduce confusion.
3. Make the Home Safer
Remove tripping hazards, add grab bars.
Install door alarms or GPS trackers for wandering.
4. Support Communication
Speak slowly and clearly.
Be patient. Use gestures or photos if words fail.
Non-verbal cues matter more than you think.
5. Manage Behavior with Empathy
Stay calm. Don’t argue or correct harshly.
Gently redirect if they fixate on something upsetting.
Celebrate small wins. Let go of what doesn’t matter.
6. Comfort Items Matter
A soft blanket, a beloved stuffed animal, a sweater with a familiar scent—these little things can be big anchors in moments of confusion. They help soothe and reconnect your loved one to a sense of safety and self.
My 89-Year-Old Mom Has Alzheimer’s—And Every Day with Her Is a Gift
This journey with my mom has been one of the hardest—and most sacred—things I’ve ever walked through.
She’s 89 now, and she has Alzheimer’s. There are days that feel like uphill climbs in the dark, full of unknowns, and moments where I truly have no idea where this path is taking us. But here's what I hold onto: she still knows who I am.
I remind myself that even if some memories fade, the bond between us doesn’t. She remembers the big things: love, connection, family. And that is no small miracle.
There’s no map for this. No perfect script. Just small sacred moments strung together—some sweet, some hard, all meaningful.
So I take each day with her as a gift. Not always neatly wrapped, but full of meaning just the same.
If you’re on this road too, I see you. And you’re not alone.
You Don’t Have to Do This Alone
This journey is long, emotional, and often lonely—but it doesn’t have to be.
I’m here to walk it with you. Whether you’re just noticing the signs or knee-deep in decisions, there’s support for every stage.
👉 Need personalized help?
Book a 1-on-1 Guidance Session or a Care Chat with me at TheSandwichedGen.com. We’ll talk it through, map out a plan, and lighten the load.
📘 Want a clear step-by-step roadmap?
Get my eBook:When Roles Reverse: A Roadmap for Caring for Aging ParentsIt’s packed with practical tips to help you:
Know when and how to step in
Have hard conversations with less stress
Respect their independence while ensuring their care
Avoid the chaos of last-minute decisions
📲 And don’t forget to follow me on Instagram @BarbaraStratte
I share daily encouragement, real-life tools, and truths you won’t find in a medical pamphlet.
When memory starts to fade, love has to speak louder.Let’s walk this journey with grace, grit, and a good plan. 💛
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