When it comes to aging parents, there are no two ways about it: you’re going to worry at some point that they’re suffering from memory loss and other forms of cognitive decline. However, unless they’ve been diagnosed with some form of dementia or another, most forgetfulness in aging parents is completely normal, though there are things you can do to help them keep memories sharper than ever before.
Memory Loss And Aging
Alzheimer’s disease is a type of dementia that causes memory loss, communication issues, and disorientation in everyday tasks. But memory loss isn’t always caused by Alzheimer’s; there are several other types of dementia, as well as normal age-related forgetfulness. If you notice your parent has difficulty remembering details about his or her day or has withdrawn from social events, it might be a sign of dementia. It’s important to note that normal aging affects everyone differently: A 75-year-old may have more cognitive impairments than someone who just turned 65. It’s also possible for someone to experience memory lapses without suffering from major cognitive problems at all.
Age-Related Memory Loss And The Brain
As we age, our memories become more and more vulnerable to change. Our brains are less able to recall and store information, making it even harder to remember where we left our keys. This is a normal part of aging; however, some people experience memory loss that is severe enough to affect their everyday lives. In Alzheimer’s disease, for example, patients’ memories become so impaired that they can no longer take care of themselves or have simple carry-on conversations. Fortunately, most cases of memory loss in elderly adults do not develop into anything as severe as Alzheimer’s disease.
Normal Forgetfulness Vs. Dementia
Anyone with aging family members can tell you that it is not uncommon for them to have trouble remembering things. Many aging adults experience senior moments from time to time when they forget where they put their keys or what day of the week it is. But for others, these problems are serious enough to interfere with daily activities and make them more susceptible to disease. It’s important to understand how normal forgetfulness differs from dementia and seek medical attention if necessary. Even if memory loss doesn’t signal a serious health problem like Alzheimer’s Disease, your aging loved one can still benefit from some simple strategies that will help them stay sharp as they age.
When To Get A Doctor’s Advice For Memory Loss
Every person forgets things occasionally. But, if you’re concerned about forgetfulness in aging parents, see a doctor. There are many possible causes of memory loss. So, it’s important to be evaluated by a physician who can rule out treatable problems, such as depression or thyroid issues that might not have obvious symptoms but can cause serious complications. If there’s no medical reason for memory loss, talk with your parent about treatment options and remedies. As challenging as forgetfulness may be for family members and caregivers, changes in memory don’t necessarily affect your loved one’s ability to enjoy life and engage in everyday activities like eating meals or reading a book aloud.
