How To Tell the Difference Between Age-Related Forgetfulness and Dementia
We all know that occasional forgetfulness becomes more common for many as they age. It’s typical for people to experience slight changes in their cognitive abilities over time, which may mean more instances of forgetfulness or other signs of memory loss.
Watch for These Signs of Dementia
For those noticing a reduced ability to multi-task and/or a decline in spontaneous word finding (taking longer to get words out), this could be a normal part of aging. The speed that we process information gradually slows down with age. Therefore, a delay in recalling names, dates or events that happened in the past is generally nothing to worry about.
However, individuals showing signs of cognitive deficits may not recall more recent details of an event or their immediate surroundings. Among common causes for concern: frequently misplacing objects, not knowing the name of objects, having difficulty using the right words or becoming lost in familiar surroundings. People showing signs of dementia may forget several words at once or substitute unusual words, affecting both speech and writing.
Oftentimes, it’s difficult for people experiencing memory issues to recognize their problems while those around them are understandably concerned. By contrast, an older adult experiencing normal forgetfulness or “senior moments” tends to recognize their own lack of recall. While these symptoms can certainly be frustrating for older adults, their overall knowledge and skills should remain stable. Unlike normal age-related forgetfulness, memory loss linked to dementia is progressive and will become more serious over time. Also keep in mind that if a sudden change in memory loss occurs, it could be related to another medical condition which may need immediate attention.
While it’s normal for multitasking to become harder, or for complex tasks to take more time, for those with dementia, it may be too difficult to plan or complete their daily tasks. If memory loss is getting worse and interfering with everyday life, individuals should consult a physician for further evaluation. Since dementia is a clinical diagnosis, a clinician needs to merge all of the information from the patient examination, family history, lab results and brain scans in order to make a diagnosis.
The time may come that you decide to seek assistance for your loved one with memory loss. At Hamlet, you’ll find quality memory care by a trained, compassionate staff with a focus on person-centered care – all in a close-knit, loving atmosphere.
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