One of the biggest worries that older adults have is developing a cognitive disease like Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. We all know that these types of disease manifest with forgetfulness and memory problems, so it’s common for seniors to start worrying when they forget things like where they’ve put their keys, not being able to remember a word, forgetting conversations and things like that. These moments can actually occur quite often, says Barbara Harrison, Executive Director of Bridges® by EPOCH at Westwood, a memory care assisted living community in Westwood, MA.
“Forgetfulness is a normal sign of aging, so it can be hard to tell when it’s time to worry or when it’s just a ‘senior moment,’” she says. “Normally, the memory issues we worry about – forgetting to pay a bill, or not remembering a conversation you had last week – are mild and shouldn’t be a cause for concern. However, there are signs you should be looking for – particularly if you’re a family member of a senior loved one – that may point to something more serious.”
That’s because, Barbara says, one of the biggest telltale signs of forgetfulness being “something more” is when family members become concerned … but the seniors themselves don’t think there’s anything wrong.
“The general rule of thumb is that if you, the senior, think it’s a problem and your family doesn’t, it’s more than likely nothing serious. If you, the family member, think it’s a problem and your loved one doesn’t, you should make plans to get a check-up.”
Still, just because something is a sign of “normal aging” doesn’t mean that it couldn’t be linked to something serious. Medications, stress, depression and other outside forces can cause forgetfulness in seniors, so it’s always good to connect with your physician if something is bothering you.
“A lot of seniors may hesitate to talk to their doctor about forgetfulness because they’re afraid that it is something like dementia, and it’s human nature to want to delay bad news as much as possible,” says Barbara. “That’s why we at Bridges by EPOCH at Westwood do our best to inform seniors and their family members of the different reasons why a senior loved one may be forgetful. It’s possible that it could be something that can be affected with medication or another lifestyle change. Even if the memory issues are caused by a cognitive disease like Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, there are many medications and treatments that can be started during the early stages to help slow the decline and provide a high quality of life for the individual.”
Signs That It’s Normal … or Not
Making bad decisions.
All of us make bad decisions every once in a while. If you or a loved one are exercising poor judgement every so often – say, buying body wraps through a multi-level marketing scheme or choosing to paint the living room bright pink – chalk it up as a learning experience, since most of us will avoid doing something similar again. However, if your loved one is constantly making bad decisions, like giving money to every telemarketer who calls, or is buying everything that’s advertised on late night TV, this could be a sign of cognitive issues and should be checked.
Missing deadlines or payments.
Even in the age of autopay, it’s incredibly easy to forget to pay a bill or other recurring payment. If you or your loved one forget about a bill until a “past due” notice winds up in your mailbox, don’t fret if it’s just once or twice. However, if you notice a stack of “past due” or “final notice” envelopes lining your loved one’s counter, it’s time to take a closer look at what’s going on.
Forgetting what day it is.
Let’s be honest: who hasn’t forgotten what day it is from time to time? If you or your loved one can’t remember whether it’s Friday or Tuesday or the weekend, don’t sweat it. All the days do tend to blend into one another when you’re at home all day. However, if you’re noticing your loved one forgetting what season it is, or what decade it is, you should schedule an appointment with the doctor for some tests.
Having a word on the “tip of your tongue.”
The reason that mild forgetfulness occurs as we age is due to the fact that our brains are simply overwhelmed with everything we’ve learned over the course of our lifetime. At some point, something’s got to give … which is why recall of certain words can be frustratingly out of reach from time to time. Again – nothing to be worried about. It’s time to worry, though, when you or a loved one have problems participating in conversations, ask questions over and over again or repeat a word or phrase during a conversation.
Misplacing items.
Who hasn’t torn the house apart looking for your keys only to find them in your hand? Or your glasses on your head? However, if your loved one consistently loses their keys or wallet – and specifically if he or she accuses you of hiding them or stealing them – it’s time to see what’s going on, physically and mentally.
What to Expect at a Doctor’s Visit
When you or your loved one visit the doctor to discuss memory issues, expect that he or she will run a full checkup. Bloodwork may be involved. Your doctor will discuss the issues, ask specific questions and then determine what, if any, follow-up appointments need to be made. They may also refer you to specialists to test for different conditions.
Remember, just because you or a loved one are having memory issues doesn’t mean that it’s necessarily a brain disorder. Infections, medication side effects and depression can mimic the signs of dementia, and can be treated fairly easily. The important thing is to connect with a physician as soon as a problem becomes evident or problematic. That way, you or your loved one will have the best possible chance of taking the right steps for improved quality of life now and down the road.
Exceptional Care & Fulfilling Lifestyle
Bridges® by EPOCH at Westwood provides memory care assisted living that is comfortable, positive, safe and engaging. Exclusively dedicated to caring for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, our community offers 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 – enriching the lives of our residents every day.
Inspiring Programs for All Stages
No matter what level of care or service is needed, residents and families can rest assured that our care and life enrichment programs address the various stages of memory decline, allowing residents the opportunity to age in place.
Dedicated Memory Care
At Bridges® by EPOCH at Westwood, our 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 residents in various stages of memory loss.
Contact us today to learn more.