Is it Aging or Early Dementia? Identifying the Subtle Shifts
We all have “senior moments.” Maybe you hunt for your glasses only to find them on your head.
But there is a fine line between a normal lapse and what I call a “yellow light.” My family learned this while supporting my mom. It wasn’t one specific event. It was a series of subtle shifts in her daily routine.
Recognizing these changes early is a gift. It means you can have the conversations to plan together while everyone can still weigh in and share their thoughts.
The Fine Line:
Normal: Worrying about being late.
Yellow Light: Getting fully ready hours early because they are scared of losing track of time.Normal: Missing one monthly bill.
Yellow Light: The Payment Loop. Paying the same bill twice or paying an account that is already in credit.Normal: Choosing a simple meal because you’re tired.
Yellow Light: The Shrinking Menu. Sticking to the two basic meals every day because a different recipe or a grocery list feels overwhelming.Normal: Occasionally wearing mismatched socks.
Yellow Light: The Wardrobe Loop. Wearing the same outfit for days or putting on heavy layers in the heat.Normal: Forgetting a name but remembering it later.
Yellow Light: Staying quiet in groups and nodding along because the conversation is lost.
Trust Your Gut
You know your loved one’s routines better than any checklist. If their world is getting “smaller,” it’s time to start a gentle conversation.
Take the Next Step
Talk before things get complicated. Starting now allows you to organize Power of Attorney and financial plans while your loved one can still clearly express what they want.
Where to find help:
In Canada: Visit the Alzheimer Society of Canada or Dementia-Friendly Canada.
In the UK: Visit the Alzheimer’s Society UK or Dementia Friends UK.
Let’s Talk
Have you noticed any of these “yellow lights” with your own folks? Sometimes sharing a small observation helps others know what to look for. Drop me a comment on your thoughts.