Everyone has memory lapses from time to time – it’s simply a sign of our busy, jam-packed lives. However, if you or a loved one are in your senior years and are experiencing “senior moments” more and more frequently, it’s natural to be concerned and wonder if it’s “something more.”
“Memory loss is definitely a hallmark of diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, and many people’s minds jump to that conclusion when experiencing those types of symptoms,” says Addie Ricci, Executive Director at Bridges® by EPOCH at Norwalk, located in Norwalk, CT. “While dementia is certainly one reason why someone may be experiencing memory loss, it isn’t the only reason. In fact, there are many factors that can contribute to memory loss, including medications, depression, anxiety and underlying medical conditions.”
Information and awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias has been on the rise over the past decade, which has helped to make more people understand and watch for signs of this type of disease. However, that awareness is a double-edged sword, says Addie.
“While it’s good that people understand more about dementia and its symptoms, it ironically means that a good number of people hide or ignore their symptoms when they notice it’s becoming a problem,” she says. “Many people still are afraid of what a diagnosis of dementia will mean for them, and they often refuse to get assistance until the issues become untenable.”
The reason this can be a problem, says Addie, is because sometimes these symptoms stem from a condition that can be cured. “There’s no reason for someone to suffer through memory loss, depression and anxiety, especially if it’s being caused by something that is ultimately temporary,” she says. “It’s important to know about the different reasons why someone may be experiencing these symptoms, and when it’s important to worry.”
Depression, Anxiety and Their Links to Memory Loss
Depression is more than just “the blues.” It’s an actual medical condition that can cause serious consequences for individuals. Older adults have a higher risk of developing depression because of health conditions, isolation and the realities of growing older. However, depression is not a normal part of aging.
Depression has been linked to memory issues such as confusion, forgetfulness, inability to focus and poor decision-making. Because all these symptoms are very similar to dementia, it’s normal for seniors to be misdiagnosed or to not seek out treatment because they simply don’t want to be told they have dementia.
Anxiety is another common illness among seniors. Someone experiencing anxiety disorders will feel apprehension, worry, fear or dread that are disproportionate to the situation or problem they’re facing. It’s estimated that 10–20 percent of seniors experience anxiety or have an anxiety disorder. It’s the most common mental health issue for women, and it’s the second most common for men. Anxiety, when left untreated, can lead to decreased physical health, poor quality of life, disability and memory loss.
Both depression and anxiety can be treated with therapy and prescription drugs. However, older adults often do not acknowledge or recognize their symptoms and may be reluctant to speak to their physicians about what they’re experiencing. Besides the fear of dementia, some senior adults may feel like what they’re experiencing is normal, because they may have struggled with anxiety or depression for most of their lives. Or the symptoms may be overlooked due to medical conditions, prescription drug use or situations that the individual is experiencing (such as dealing with the loss of a spouse, for example).
What’s Normal and When To Worry
Addie says that there’s no real “normal” when it comes to depression or anxiety. “True depression and anxiety disorders are real, treatable medical conditions, so it’s important that people realize that experiencing them is not a normal part of aging,” she says. “If you or a loved one are truly experiencing depression or anxiety, it’s essential to visit a doctor to get a diagnosis and, ultimately, get treatment so you can continue to live a happy, healthy life.”
Everyone feels sad or stressed out sometimes, so simply experiencing these types of feelings may be “normal,” she says. Here are some ways to determine if what you’re experiencing is concerning:
- Not concerning: Being worried about a situation from time to time
Concerning: Being afraid to do everyday things like drive in a car or go out of the house - Not concerning: Preferring to stay at home instead of going out with friends
Concerning: Actively avoiding social situations - Not concerning: Having difficulty sleeping from time to time
Concerning: Being unable to sleep due to worry or fear - Not concerning: Indulging in alcohol or other vices
Concerning: Abusing alcohol or drugs - Not concerning: Having memory lapses such as forgetting where you put your keys, not remembering why you walked into a room or forgetting names of acquaintances
Concerning: Experiencing large memory gaps or losing short-term memory, particularly if it lasts for long amounts of time or starts worsening
Managing Depression, Anxiety and Memory Loss in a Healthy Way
If you or your senior loved one have been experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression, or are concerned about memory loss, here are some steps you should take to manage the situation in a healthy way.
- Visit your physician. The first step anyone should take is to visit their medical healthcare professional to help determine the cause of your symptoms. This can also allow them to determine the extent of any memory issues or find out if there are external forces (like medication interactions) that may be causing the issue.
- Eat a healthy diet and get plenty of exercise. Staying active and eating well is like a magic pill for all sorts of health issues. It keeps you physically healthy, improves your mood and well-being and can actually improve your brain function.
- Use memory aids. Depending on your needs, you can use things like safety notes, color-coded household items or using alarm clocks to help you keep track of things. You may also wish to coordinate with a home health provider to get the assistance you need.
Compassionate Care for All Stages of Memory Loss
Bridges® by EPOCH at Norwalk 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
Bridges® by EPOCH at Norwalk’s services are designed to recognize and adapt to the unique challenges and individuality of each resident, while ensuring comfort and safety. We believe in a full-service approach to care and provide a high level of personalized attention for every stage of memory loss. At Bridges® by EPOCH at Norwalk, our residents have it all for one simple monthly fee.
Community Amenities
Within a beautiful residential design, Bridges® by EPOCH at Norwalk provides everything residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias need to enjoy comfort, familiarity and security. Soft colors, directional cues, aromatherapy and interactive life stations create a peaceful and secure environment where residents feel at home.
Contact us today to learn more.