TAMPA, Fla. — The Alzheimer’s Association reports that during the holiday season, it receives its highest volume of calls from people worried that an older loved one may have dementia.

For many, the holidays are the first time they’ve seen elderly loved ones in quite some time, they may notice a change in behavior.

It happened to Tampa resident Elizabeth Short a few years ago.

She was visiting family in Mississippi when she noticed her mother’s cognitive decline.

“I was sitting with my mom one evening in Mississippi in the home we lived in for 35 years and she looked across the room at me and she said I want to go home,” recalled Short. “And I said, 'Mama, you are home.' That’s when I realized.”

Unfortunately, the situation is far from unique.

But there are signs you can look for to differentiate between age-related changes and potential dementia. Experts advise a memory screening if there are any concerns.

Visit the Alzheimer’s Association website for resources that can help.