Have you ever forgotten where you put your car keys? Walked into a room and not remembered why you went there? Blanked on the name of an acquaintance? No matter how we may pride ourselves on our cognitive abilities, the fact of the matter is what we all forget things from time to time. However, sometimes memory loss can be not-so-normal and signal the sign of serious issues like dementia and other cognitive disorders. But when is it a sign of “normal” memory loss or something more serious?
“We should all expect to experience some form of memory problems as we age, because it’s just a normal part of aging,” says Barbara Harrison, Executive Director of Bridges® by EPOCH at Westwood, a memory care assisted living community in Westwood, MA. “However, there are distinctive issues that you should be aware of that could signal the sign of a cognitive issue. While this can be caused by Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, some memory issues are actually caused by treatable conditions, which is why your first step should always be to talk to your doctor.”
Normal Signs of Memory Loss
Approximately 40 percent of individuals age 65 and older experience some form of memory loss. This could be mixing up the names of people in your family, for example, or forgetting where you placed an everyday object, or blanking on an event that happened years ago. Normal memory loss is typically manageable, and doesn’t disrupt your ability to live independently or maintain a high quality of life. Here are some symptoms of what we refer to as “normal” memory loss.
- Being unable to remember specific details of an event or conversation that took place a long time ago
- Forgetting the name of an acquaintance
- Forgetting about an appointment or event occasionally
- Having difficulty finding just the right word
- You’re worried about your memory loss, but friends and family members aren’t
Dealing with normal age-related memory loss requires a little extra planning, but isn’t something insurmountable. Keeping a routine, forming associations between new ideas and old, repeating information as you’re learning it, having one spot for easily misplaced items or using organizational tools like a day planner or calendar can be helpful. It’s also a good idea to eat a healthy diet, get enough exercise, visit your doctor regularly and get a good night’s sleep.
Worrying Signs of Memory Loss
“Dementia” is a blanket term for a set of cognitive issues related to diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and other brain-related declines. Dementia usually starts out gradually, with a few mental bobbles here or there. However, over time, symptoms become worse and start to interfere with hobbies, relationships, social interactions and work. While memory loss is one of the trademark symptoms of dementia, it isn’t the only one. Some other early signs of dementia can include:
- Forgetting common words and substituting phrases that are similar (such as substituting “hand clock” for “watch)
- Asking the same question or repeating a phrase over and over
- Forgetting how to complete familiar tasks, like using the dishwasher or following a recipe
- Placing items in incorrect places, like storing a purse in the refrigerator
- Getting lost easily in a familiar area
- Experiencing mood or behavior changes for no apparent reason
Dementia is a scary word for many, because it’s a progressive disease for which there is no cure. Although there are medicines and treatments that can help slow the progression of the disease, these are usually only helpful in the early stages of disease, and cannot reverse any damage that has already been done.
The most common forms of dementia include Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, frontotemporal dementia and Lewy body dementia. While the symptoms of each of these diseases is similar, the way they present and manifest can be different for each individual.
To add to the confusion, there is also a symptom called moderate cognitive decline, which is a more severe form of memory loss than “normal” aging but is not as severe as what you see with dementias such as Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers and medical professionals are still studying this phenomenon, which can progress to dementia but doesn’t always.
Is It Treatable?
As soon as you or a loved one suspect that dementia may be present, it’s essential to visit with a doctor. That’s because proper diagnosis can help get treatment – but can also determine whether or not the medical condition is something that can be treated. Yes, it’s true – there are many treatable conditions that can cause dementia-like symptoms, so before anyone jumps to conclusions, it’s best to rule out any treatable forms of memory loss. Here are just a few reasons why someone may be experiencing memory loss:
- Side effects from medications. Certain medicines can cause confusion or forgetfulness depending on a person’s body chemistry. There are also medication combinations that can cause these symptoms. Be sure that the medications you or a loved one are taking are the right amount and the right combination.
- Minor head injuries. Have you experienced a fall and hit your head? Or perhaps you’ve been in an accident such as a car crash? These things can result in head injuries, even if you don’t black out. This can lead to mood changes, behavioral issues and even memory loss.
- Depression or stress. Certain mental issues can manifest in dementia-like symptoms. Depression, anxiety or stress can cause difficulty concentrating, confusion, forgetfulness, behavioral changes and other disruptive issues.
- Alcohol abuse. Chronic alcohol abuse can damage the brain and cause serious mental issues. Alcohol can also interact with medications in harmful ways.
- Physiological issues. Infections, brain tumors, underactive thyroids, low B-12 counts and many other health issues can cause problems such as confusion and memory loss.
In Conclusion: See Your Doctor
If you or a loved one are concerned with memory loss, the best thing to do is to see a doctor. The problem won’t go away by ignoring it, and if your situation is treatable, it’s better to catch the issue as early on as possible. Even if memory loss is caused by a cognitive impairment such as dementia, early diagnosis can help you and loved ones manage the disease, come to terms with the diagnosis and put factors in place to make the future as smooth and peaceful as possible.
Personalized Lifestyle
Bridges® by EPOCH at Westwood provides assisted living memory care that is comfortable, positive, safe and engaging. Exclusively dedicated to caring for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia or memory impairment, we’ve created a wellness-focused lifestyle that promotes dignity and individual preferences. Our memory care professionals receive specialized and ongoing training designed to help residents maximize their independence in a secure, calm environment – making a truly positive impact on the lives of our residents each and every day.
Personalized Services
Our care and services are designed to recognize and adapt to the individual challenges and personalities of our residents, while making sure they are comfortable and safe. We believe in a full-service approach to care and provide a high level of personalized attention for every resident through all stages of memory loss.
Our Amenities
Bridges® by EPOCH at Westwood features a distinct design, providing residents with everything they need to enjoy comfort, familiarity and security. Our community is built specifically to benefit those with Alzheimer’s disease and memory loss … so we use soft colors, directional cues, aromatherapy and interactive life stations to create a soothing, safe environment where residents feel at ease.
Contact us today to learn more.