Here’s What to Do When You Spot Memory Changes in a Parent

Written By Laurie Miller

If you’re part of the sandwich generation—balancing kids, work, and a parent showing memory issues, you’re not alone. The earlier you address what’s going on, the more time you have to adapt, support, and plan. Here are key questions and proactive tech tools that can help.

1. Common early signs of cognitive decline

  • Repeating stories/questions

  • Trouble with conversations or tasks (like paying bills, following a recipe)

  • Disorientation or wandering

  • Mood or behavior changes

2. How to tell normal aging from dementia

Memory lapses and forgetting some words are normal; dementia involves impairment in daily functioning, such as getting lost or impaired judgment.

3. How to talk to them about it

Use a caring, calm approach:

“I’ve noticed you’ve had more trouble remembering lately. I love you and want to make sure everything’s okay—could we schedule a doctor’s check?”

4. Next steps medically

Begin with their primary doctor for cognitive screening and referrals to specialists like a neurologist or geriatrician or memory clinics.

5. What you can do right now

  • Gather important documents like health records, power of attorney forms, etc.

  • Keep a daily log of observed issues

  • Use reminders: pill boxes, shared calendars

  • Explore technology:
    • GPS trackers for safer walks
    • Smart medication dispensers
    • Home sensors for fall/motion detection
    • Check in apps

6. Could it be dementia—or something else?

Early changes might be due to stress, infection, medication side effects, or low vitamin levels—not always dementia. Early evaluation is critical.

7. Help from afar? Here’s what works

  • In-home caregiver services

  • Tech-enabled check-ins

  • Consulting/care managers

  • Family video meetings

🎯 How AgeTechNow Helps

Discover technology that supports safety and independence—whether your parent lives at home or you’re caring from a distance.

👉 Explore our AgeTech directory for ideas and solutions.

🔗 Additional Resources

Laurie Miller
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