Forgetting where you put your keys, struggling to remember someone’s name or walking into a room and momentarily forgetting why you went there can happen to almost anyone. As people grow older, occasional forgetfulness may become more noticeable.
But when does ordinary forgetfulness become something more serious?
Understanding the difference between normal age-related memory changes and dementia can help seniors and their families recognize when it may be time to speak with a healthcare provider.
Some Memory Changes Can Be Normal
The brain changes as we age, and it may take longer to recall certain information. An older adult might occasionally forget an appointment but remember it later, misplace an item and retrace their steps to find it, or have difficulty remembering a name before it eventually comes to mind.
These experiences can be frustrating, but they do not necessarily mean a person has dementia.
A useful distinction is whether memory problems are beginning to interfere with everyday life.
Dementia Is More Than Forgetfulness
Dementia is not one specific disease. It is a general term describing a decline in memory, thinking, and other cognitive abilities serious enough to interfere with daily activities.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, but there are several other forms and causes.
Warning signs can include repeatedly asking the same questions, becoming confused in familiar places, having increasing difficulty managing money or medications, struggling with familiar tasks, experiencing significant changes in judgment or personality, or frequently forgetting recently learned information.
Another concerning sign is losing the ability to retrace one’s steps. Someone experiencing ordinary forgetfulness might leave their glasses in another room and eventually remember where they put them. A person experiencing cognitive decline may place belongings in unusual locations and be unable to determine how they got there.
Don’t Assume Dementia Is the Cause
Memory problems should not automatically be attributed to dementia or aging.
Some medications and medical conditions can affect memory and concentration. Sleep problems, vitamin deficiencies, depression, infections, thyroid disorders and other health conditions may sometimes produce symptoms that resemble cognitive decline.
That is one reason a medical evaluation is important when new or worsening memory problems appear.
Family members can help by keeping notes about changes they have observed, including when they began and whether they are becoming more frequent. Bringing a current list of medications and supplements to a medical appointment can also be helpful.
When to Seek Help
Consider talking with a healthcare provider when memory or thinking problems begin interfering with a person’s independence, safety or ability to complete normal daily activities.
Getting evaluated does not automatically mean receiving a dementia diagnosis. Instead, it provides an opportunity to determine what may be causing the changes.
Early evaluation can also give individuals and families more time to discuss healthcare wishes, finances, transportation, living arrangements and other important decisions while the person experiencing memory changes can participate fully in those conversations.
If you are concerned about someone you love, approach the conversation with patience and respect. Rather than arguing about forgotten events, explain the specific changes you have noticed and encourage the person to discuss them with a healthcare professional.
Occasional forgetfulness can be part of getting older. Memory problems that consistently disrupt everyday life deserve attention.
Knowing the difference — and knowing when to ask for help — can be an important part of protecting a senior’s health, independence and quality of life.
Senior Protection Project: A Community Service Initiative of the Rogue River Press, Helping Seniors Stay Safe, Informed, and Connected.
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