It’s a normal part of life to occasionally forget things. That’s why you see computer screens with sticky notes, smartphones with reminder alarms, etc. In fact, as you age, you may notice the frequency of forgetfulness increasing a bit. That can still be a normal part of the aging process. However, it may be time to contact a doctor if you notice an aging loved one forgetting more and more and showing signs of dementia.
If you consider normal forgetfulness versus dementia, you’ll notice there are some distinct symptoms that point more toward dementia. We’re going to examine a handful of those here to help you distinguish the difference and, in doing so, figure out if it’s time to take a loved one to a doctor.
Let’s break this down into categories:
- Symptoms that are age-related but relatively normal
- Signs that may potentially point to dementia
Symptoms That Are Age Related but Relatively Normal
- Forgetfulness (and various other issues related to mental status) – Memory loss can be contributed to by various health conditions. Dementia symptoms are sometimes assumed when depression is actually the problem. The cause of someone’s anxiety and sadness may preoccupy their mind when they are dealing with depression.
- Absentmindedness and transience – Over time, the brain forgets some memories. This is referred to as transience. What’s actually happening is that new memories are taking the place of old memories. Similar, absentmindedness relates to the focus of your brain. Because you weren’t preoccupied with the idea of an appointment, for example, you may forget it.
Signs That May Potentially Point to Dementia
- Disorientation – In new environments, disorientation may occur in someone with dementia. This includes both time and place. They will feel insecure when experiencing unfamiliar stimuli in a new location. With their caregivers, they may become easily aggravated; and to onlookers, they may appear lost.
- Personality change – A change in personality is not uncommon with dementia. You may notice your loved one becoming more prone to impulsiveness, paranoia, or aggressive behavior. For many caregivers, this is the most difficult part of dealing with dementia.
- Forgetting important information – The inability to remember some words and forgetting the names of loved ones and friends may point to dementia. It could be time to schedule a doctor visit for your loved one if they are showing signs of extreme forgetfulness.
Our Retirement Community’s SHINE Memory Care Program Is Perfect for Your Loved One with Dementia
At our retirement community, as well as independent living and assisted living programs, we also proudly offer our SHINE Memory Care services.
Whether your loved one has been diagnosed with dementia, Alzheimer’s, or some other memory related condition, our specialty program is available. It provides a caring, stimulating, and enjoyable experience for those with memory issues – regardless of the resident’s precise diagnosis.
We encourage our residents to exercise, attend dances, create crafts, and more with others in the community. It’s also perfectly fine, however, if while enjoying the resort-like amenities at our retirement community, they want to take timeout occasionally for some quiet, private time.
Would you like to discuss sales and leasing with a representative? If so, you can phone us at 561.287.6743. With other questions, please phone 561.202-9866. You can also open the lines of communication by filling out and sending in our contact form.
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