People forget things every day. They can’t remember where they set their keys or put something away in a safe place and forget where that safe place is. Forgetfulness is a normal part of everyday life.
As people age, they may become more forgetful and worry that they have dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Before looking into memory care in your area, you must assess your symptoms. This will help determine whether the forgetfulness is normal and whether you should see your doctor.
Memory Loss
The National Institute on Aging reports moments of forgetfulness become more common as a person gets older. However, the National Poll on Healthy Aging in 2019 found that almost 50 percent of men and women between the ages of 50 and 64 worried about getting dementia, and a 2021 poll conducted by AARP found that nearly half of men and women 40 and older believe they will suffer from memory loss in the future.
Fortunately, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say this number is significantly lower, at approximately 11 percent for men and women over 65.
Dementia Warning Signs
Short-term memory loss is a common sign of dementia that is concerning. It is a symptom seen with Alzheimer’s disease, so people must take note of any forgetfulness related to recent events. Word loss is another sign people need to look for. Every person has experienced a time when they couldn’t remember a word, although it was on the tip of their tongue. When this becomes common or the person substitutes words that make no sense, they must be evaluated by a medical professional.
Individuals with dementia often struggle with multitasking. They may repeat questions, statements, or stories immediately after saying them or experience personality changes. These individuals frequently withdraw socially because they can’t hold or remember conversations. According to the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, apathy is a sign of memory loss that goes beyond mild cognitive impairment.
Sleep issues in seniors should always be mentioned to their medical teams. Altered sleep behavior may indicate memory loss or a medical condition. Depression is also a concern for men and women with dementia. The Alzheimer’s Association reports up to 40 percent of individuals with this condition struggle with severe depression. Depression increases a person’s risk of developing dementia.
If a senior becomes confused about time and place or struggles with directions, they may have dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. They often have trouble with visual and perceptual tasks, and family members might notice they struggle with decision-making and good judgment. Seniors may experience financial problems because they aren’t making good decisions. Hallucinations and delusions are also signs of memory issues.
Dementia Types
Dementia comes in many forms. Most people are aware of Alzheimer’s disease but know little about vascular dementia. Frontotemporal disorders are the most common type of dementia in men and women under the age of 65, and more people are now aware of Lewy body dementia, as this contributed to Robin Willams’ suicide. An accurate diagnosis is essential to ensure the person receives the proper treatment.
Any person experiencing changes in thinking and memory should see their doctor. Other medical conditions have similar symptoms, so the person needs to ensure they are diagnosed correctly. Early diagnosis benefits patients, as they can access treatments that may slow the progression of the disease and improve their quality of life.
