Has your Mom stopped baking for the holidays? Has your Dad let his prized lush front lawn become overcome with weeds? Is your parent no longer participating in tasks that they once enjoyed? Could these be the early signs that they have dementia?
Research has found that most often dementia begins as behavioral changes. Introduced at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference, a group of neuropsychiatrists and Alzheimer’s experts identified a way to recognize and measure early signs of dementia. This group proposed a new diagnosis – mild behavior impairment.
Often overlooked, behavioral and personality changes can precede the memory loss and cognitive issues commonly associated with dementia and be early signs of dementia. They propose that that mild behavior impairment (MBI) would be a clinical designation prior to mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a diagnosis that describes those with cognitive issues who can still perform daily functions.
These researchers created a 34-question checklist that may one day be used to help diagnosis patients at the earliest stage of dementia. These questions could prove to be vital to determining who is at high risk of developing dementia or Alzheimer’s.
Sample questions include:
Behavior changes that may have been excused as a normal part of aging might actually be early signs of dementia. But not all who are experiencing mood swings or changes in their personality are suffering from early signs of dementia. The experts suggest that these changes must be identified and measured over at least a six-month period.
This checklist will continue to be tested by researchers until the findings are ready to be given for doctor’s use.
At Aegis Living, our communities are equipped to handle the unique mental and physical limitations associated with memory loss. Our Life’s Neighborhoods ™ are designed to improve the quality of life and enjoyment of our residents. These communities are closely monitored for the safety and care of our residents. Each memory care community includes secured outside gardens, walking paths, chef-prepared nutritional meals, compassionate nursing staff, and caregivers specifically trained to care for those with dementia and Alzheimer’s. If your loved one can no longer live on their own, contact one of our communities today to take a tour.
Respite Stays & Day Stays give family caregivers a real break—hours, days, or a few weeks—while your loved one enjoys a safe, enriching short‑term home at Aegis Living. Guests settle into a beautifully furnished private apartment and have 24/7 care staff and onsite nurses, medication management, and discreet safety technology (motion sensors, medical‑alert pendants, visitor check‑in) for peace of mind. Each day feels purposeful with chef‑prepared, all‑day dining and 200+ monthly activities—from book clubs and fitness classes to movie nights—plus full use of the community. We coordinate with your loved one’s physicians to mirror their routines and care, so the stay feels familiar. It’s also a smart trial run for senior living: meet neighbors, test services, and see what supported independence looks like—without a long‑term commitment. Choose a Respite Stay when you’re traveling or need time to recharge, when your loved one would benefit from structure, social connection, and great meals, or when you both want peace of mind while keeping options open.
Hospice & End‑of‑Life Care at Aegis Living is comfort‑first support for the final stage of life, delivered in your loved one’s private apartment by our 24/7 care team in coordination with a trusted local hospice provider you choose (or we can recommend). Together, we create a coordinated care plan that manages pain and other symptoms, oversees medications, and provides calm, dignified help with daily needs, while offering compassionate emotional support for both resident and family. Discreet safety measures and a reliable medical‑alert system bring help quickly; chef‑prepared, in‑apartment meals adapt to changing appetites. Families are guided through decisions and moments of closure so they can focus on being present in a peaceful, home‑like setting. If your loved one already lives at Aegis, they can remain in the comfort of their home, avoiding disruptive moves. Choose this level of care when curative treatment is no longer the goal and you want expert symptom control, hands‑on daily support, and a setting that protects dignity and prioritizes comfort, meaning, and time together.
Memory Care is specialized, secure support for people living with Alzheimer’s or other dementias who benefit from a calm, structured environment and round‑the‑clock expertise. At Aegis Living, that care happens in Life’s Neighborhood—an intimate, thoughtfully designed setting where 24/7 dementia‑trained caregivers and a nursing team on site seven days a week deliver personalized help with daily living, medication management, and mobility (including Hoyer lifts and two‑person transfers), while gently redirecting agitation and confusion. Days are purpose‑filled with science‑based cognitive programming, certified music therapy, and social activities; chef‑prepared meals are easy to enjoy and dining spaces and cues are designed for memory support. Discreet safety features like secured entrances, emergency pendants with fall detection, and optional motion sensors, prevent wandering and bring peace of mind, and visiting physicians and wellness professionals reduce trips off‑site. Families receive education and ongoing support. If your loved one is unsafe alone, missing medications, wandering, needs frequent cueing or hands‑on help with bathing or dressing, or thrives with a predictable routine, Memory Care offers the right level of care. For milder needs, our transitional Assisted Living can be a first step; for advancing symptoms, secured Memory Care provides the specialized, heartfelt support to help them feel calm, connected, and at home.