As we grow older many things change, and one of those things is our memory. This is why most people use sticky notes and calendar reminders to make sure they don’t forget certain tasks in daily life or events. When we grow older, we experience more frequent memory loss. This is completely normal when it comes to aging. Although people who suffer from dementia experience a high level of memory loss, there is a difference between normal aging forgetfulness and dementia. Before panicking and assuming you have dementia, you need to understand what the symptoms are of each.
How to Tell The Difference Between Normal Forgetfulness and Dementia
Normal Forgetfulness
While it can be frustrating, this type of forgetfulness comes with aging. Normal forgetfulness is typically not progressive and does not impact daily life. Some examples of normal forgetfulness include occasionally misplacing objects or forgetting appointments. These lapses are usually linked to two conditions:
Absentmindedness and Transience
These two conditions are a normal part of aging according to Harvard Medical School. Absentmindedness relates to the focus of your brain, which could be like forgetting an appointment because your mind is not preoccupied with the thought of it. Transience describes the brain’s process of clearing out old, unnecessary memories to make space for new ones. Both are normal and not indicative of memory loss or dementia.
Forgetfulness and Mental Issues
Memory loss can occur due to an individual’s health conditions deteriorating according to the National Institute on Aging. People who have had or continue to struggle with mental health issues like depression are sometimes mistaken for having similar symptoms to dementia.
When someone is dealing with depression, they are highly preoccupied with what has caused their sadness and their anxiety. When someone is constantly worrying and/or obsessing over a recent tragedy, it can lead to forgetting other memories or topics.
Warning Signs of Dementia
Dementia refers to a group of conditions that cause memory loss and cognitive decline, worsening over time. People with dementia experience progressive changes that significantly affect daily living. Common types of dementia include Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, and mixed dementia, which involves multiple forms of dementia simultaneously. Recognizing early signs of dementia is crucial to seeking support. Warning signs of dementia include:
Personality Change
People may experience extreme changes in personality according to the Alzheimer’s Association. When seniors are in the middle stages of dementia, they will suddenly become more prone to paranoia, impulsiveness, and even aggressive behavior.
Forgetting Important Information
When someone is suffering from dementia, it is not about forgetting a thing as simple as where they have left an object or the date of an appointment that they had scheduled. Instead, this kind of memory loss can cause an individual to forget the names of their family members and friends. These types of memory problems should prompt you to take the individual to a medical professional for diagnosis.
Disorientation
Another common symptom that those who suffer from dementia will experience is a tendency to become disorientated in new environments. This disorientation extends to both time and place according to the University of Illinois.
When an older individual is or is starting to struggle with dementia, and moves to an unfamiliar environment, the unfamiliar stimuli can start to induce the feeling of insecurity, causing panic and anxiety within the person. Elders experiencing dementia and becoming disorientated will seem extremely lost to onlookers and they can become aggressive, especially with caregivers.
When it comes to differentiating between normal forgetfulness and dementia, you need to take a closer look at the symptoms. While senior citizens have symptoms that overlap, memory loss is more intense in those who experience dementia. This is because the memories that they lose are highly important which normal forgetfulness cannot explain.
Normal forgetfulness is not progressive and should not be a cause for concern. Dementia on the other hand will develop and worsen over time. If you have tried to identify what the individual is experiencing and you still do not confidently have an answer, you should talk to a doctor near you. What could make the diagnosis a lot easier is to take the person to a doctor who already knows them. This doctor might be able to pick up on signs and symptoms much quicker.
Additional Information: 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s
The Meadows Memory Care Services
At The Meadows, we understand the unique challenges that individuals facing memory loss encounter, and our Memory Care Services are designed to provide compassionate and specialized support. As we age, it’s natural for memory to undergo changes, leading to occasional forgetfulness. However, when memory loss becomes more pronounced and starts affecting daily life, it may be a sign of a more serious condition like dementia.
Recognizing the Signs and Seeking Support
It’s essential to recognize the signs of memory loss early on and seek professional support. If you or a loved one is experiencing persistent memory challenges, consider consulting with our experienced team at The Meadows. Common signs that may warrant exploration include:
- Difficulty in Remembering Names and Faces: Memory loss that goes beyond occasional forgetfulness and involves forgetting names of family members or close friends.
- Changes in Behavior: Sudden and significant changes in personality, such as increased paranoia, impulsiveness, or aggressive behavior.
- Disorientation in New Environments: Becoming easily disoriented, especially in unfamiliar settings, leading to feelings of insecurity and anxiety.
Our commitment at The Meadows is to provide not only quality care but also a nurturing environment that promotes overall well-being. If you’re seeking specialized Memory Care Services, we invite you to explore The Meadows and discover how we can support you or your loved one on this journey.
Personalized Memory Care at The Meadows in Norfolk, NE
Our Memory Care Services at The Meadows go beyond traditional senior living. We offer personalized care that address the unique needs of people with dementia, ensuring a supportive and enriching environment. Key features of our memory care services program include:
- Individualized Care Plans: We recognize that each individual’s journey with memory loss is unique. Our experienced team creates personalized care plans that address the specific cognitive and emotional needs of each resident.
- Engaging Activities: Mental stimulation is crucial for individuals with memory loss. Our Memory Care program incorporates a variety of engaging activities designed to enhance cognitive function and provide a sense of purpose.
- Safe and Secure Environment: The Meadows provides a secure environment to ensure the safety of our residents. Our facilities are designed with features that prevent wandering and promote a sense of security.
- Compassionate Staff: Our dedicated staff members undergo specialized training in dementia care. They are committed to providing compassionate assistance, fostering a supportive atmosphere, and building meaningful connections with residents.
- Family Involvement: We believe in the importance of family involvement. Families are encouraged to actively participate in the care process, and we provide resources and support to help them navigate the challenges associated with memory loss.
For more information about our Memory Care Services and to schedule a visit, please visit our Memory Care Services page or contact us directly. At The Meadows, we are dedicated to helping individuals live each moment to the fullest, fostering a sense of purpose and connection in their lives.
Nye Health Services | Independent & Assisted Living Communities
Nye Health Services is passionate about providing older adults with a wide range of wellness and health services that maximize health and well-being. If you are searching for a senior living community, explore one of our five locations in eastern Nebraska. Each campus provides award-winning health and wellness services, comfortable apartments and/or suites, and numerous amenities to help you live 2022 to the fullest! Contact us today to learn more about what sets Nye apart or to schedule a tour of a community near you!
For additional information about Nye Home Health Care visit us at nyehomehealthcare.com