Iowans Urged to Watch for Signs of Cognitive Trouble During Holidays

The holidays are a time for family gatherings, and some Iowans may notice changes in a loved one’s memory or behavior that could signal a more serious issue.

Lauren Livingston, a spokeswoman for the Iowa chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, says while it can be an uncomfortable topic, there are common warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.

“The main one is memory loss that disrupts their daily life,” Livingston says. “Forgetting things they have known their whole life, like how to use the microwave or how to get home from the grocery store, things like that that would be very unusual for someone to forget.”

The Alzheimer’s Association estimates about 62,000 Iowans are living with Alzheimer’s. Livingston says many people experience similar symptoms as the disease progresses.

“Challenges in solving problems like simple math problems, figuring out the tip on a bill, things like that,” Livingston says. “Or difficulty completing daily tasks like getting dressed or taking a shower, having confusion with things they are normally familiar with.”

Livingston says another warning sign is difficulty recognizing people they know well. She says repeated patterns of forgetfulness can help distinguish typical aging from something more serious.

“One thing that’s kind of a key indicator would be seeing these signs over and over and over,” Livingston says. “If every time you talk to a loved one on the phone they’re forgetting the same thing that you shared multiple times, that pattern can be a concern.”

The Alzheimer’s Association offers a 24-hour helpline for anyone with questions or concerns about cognitive changes in a loved one. The number is 1-800-272-3900, and it is staffed every day, including holidays.