Aging and Memory – Standard Lack of Memory vs. Dementia

For most people, infrequent slips in memory are a normal part of the aging procedure and not a caution of grave mental weakening or dementia. If you are caring for an elderly person in your house, you need to know the basic differences in general memory loss and Dementia. This post aims to clarify the variation between Dementia and Forgetfulness.

The chief difference between age-related memory loss and dementia is that the former is not immobilizing. Memory slips have little impact on your daily routine. However, if it worsens into full blown dementia it disturbs your social activities, hobbies, work, and family connections. You may be experiencing the forewarning signs of Alzheimer’s disease, or a different disorder that causes dementia, or else a condition that imitates dementia.

Ordinary Age-Related Lack of Memory

The subsequent types of memory slips are standard among the elderly and are normally not seen as warning signals of dementia:

• Sporadically forgetting a prior arrangement.
• Easily getting sidetracked.
• Occasionally not remembering where you left belongings used on a regular basis, such as eye-glasses or keys.
• Entering a room and forgetting why you did.
• Forgetting names of associates or overcrowding a memory with a related one, for example calling a granddaughter by your daughter’s name.
• Not being able to regain words you have “on the tip of your tongue.”
• Having trouble recalling what you have presently read, or of the points of a discussion.

Symptoms that may indicate dementia

Dementia is a phrase used to illustrate a variety of symptoms of cognitive decline such as absentmindedness, but is not a clinical judgment itself until a fundamental illness or disorder has been recognized.

• Gets lost or confused even in well-known places and is not able to follow instructions.
• Has trouble performing easy tasks such as paying bills, dressing suitably, washing up. Not recalling how to do things they have done various times.
• Words are habitually not remembered, distorted, or confused. Repeats expressions and stories in the same discussion.
• Incapable of recalling or describing detailed instances where memory failure caused trouble.
• Has difficulty in making choices. May show poor decision making skills or act in socially unsuitable ways.
• Experiences abnormal mood swings.
• Personality transformation – becoming short-tempered, doubtful or fearful, for example.
• Feeling de-motivated or depressed – showing not as much attention in initiating something or going anywhere.

If you or a loved elderly person is experiencing any symptoms a grave memory problem, hiring professional nurses will ensure he/she receives the best care in your absence.

The nurses at Partners in Healthcare are available to talk with you about your in-home senior care needs including how to stay healthy at home with RN managed affordable care. We are a private duty home care agency that provides elder home care serves in the Orlando area. Call us at 407-788-9393.