Occasional forgetfulness is common for many as they age. People typically experience slight changes in their cognitive abilities over time. It’s typical to see an increase in forgetfulness or other signs of memory loss.
If you notice a reduced ability to multi-task and/or a decline in spontaneous word finding (taking longer to get words out), it could be a normal part of aging. We process information slower as we age. 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 decline may not recall details of recent events or recognize their immediate surroundings. Common causes for concern are having difficulty finding the right words, frequently misplacing objects, not knowing the names of objects or becoming lost in familiar surroundings. People showing signs of dementia may forget several words at once or substitute unusual words, impacting both speech and writing. You may also notice changes to their personality—acting unusually anxious, confused, fearful or suspicious. They may also become easily upset or seem depressed.
It’s often difficult for people experiencing memory issues to acknowledge their problems while those around them are understandably concerned. 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 generally remain stable. Unlike normal age-related forgetfulness, memory loss linked to dementia is progressive and will become more serious over time. Keep in mind that if a sudden change in memory loss occurs, it could be related to another medical condition that 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 manage even their daily tasks. If memory loss worsens and interferes with everyday life, individuals should consult a physician for further evaluation. Since dementia is a clinical diagnosis, a clinician needs to review all of the information, including patient examination, family history, lab results and brain scans, in order to make a diagnosis.
Next steps.
The time may come when you decide it’s time for your loved one with memory loss to seek additional support. At The Spires at Berry College, you’ll find quality memory care by trained, compassionate staff in a close-knit, loving atmosphere.