Sudden decline in dementia is one of the scariest things a caregiver can witness. One day they were walking. One day they were talking. And then almost overnight, they weren’t.
Most caregivers in this moment think they missed something. Or that this is just the next stage. But sudden dramatic changes are not typically how dementia progresses. And knowing the difference between expected progression and a medical red flag could change everything for your loved one right now.
Gradual change fits dementia. Sudden change requires investigation.
In this video I walk you through the most common medical causes of sudden decline in dementia, how to tell the difference, and exactly what to say when a doctor tells you it’s just the dementia.
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⏱ CHAPTERS
0:00 – Sudden decline in dementia: what caregivers need to know
1:54 – Gradual vs sudden change: a simple rule to remember
3:15 – 6 common medical causes of sudden decline in dementia
6:53 – When doctors say “it’s just the dementia” and how to push back
8:46 – What to do right now if you notice a sudden change
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Hi, I’m Dr. Natali Edmonds, a board-certified geropsychologist specializing in dementia care. Careblazers started as an idea during a hiking trip. I wanted to create free, expert-led dementia education that caregivers could access from anywhere. Our mission? Make dementia caregiving easier. Whether your loved one has Alzheimer’s, frontotemporal, Lewy body, vascular, or mixed dementia, we believe that to create a dementia-friendly world, we must first create a caregiver-friendly world.
This content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider for medical guidance.
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