How To Differentiate Normal Forgetfulness From Dementia

Is Your Loved One Showing Signs Of Dementia

Normal age-related symptoms:

• Decline in spontaneous word finding (taking longer to get words out)
• Absentmindedness
• Transience (when the brain forgets some memories over time, possibly making room for new ones)
• Reduced ability to multi-task

These instances could occur because the speed with which information is processed gradually slows down with age, often resulting in a delay in recalling names, dates or events that happened in the recent past. These symptoms can certainly be frustrating for older adults but are generally nothing to be overly concerned about.

Dementia-related symptoms:

• Frequently misplacing objects or not knowing the names of objects
• Forgetting names and places without recall
• Disorientation or becoming lost in familiar surroundings
• Change in personality

An important distinction is that seniors experiencing dementia often do not recognize their memory problems. Older adults experiencing normal forgetfulness, or “senior moments,” tend to acknowledge their lack of recall. While these symptoms can be frustrating, their overall knowledge and skills generally remain stable. Unlike normal age-related forgetfulness, memory loss linked to dementia is progressive and will steadily worsen over time.

When memory loss prevents someone from performing daily tasks, experts recommend consulting a physician for further evaluation. Because dementia is a clinical diagnosis, a clinician needs to gauge the information from the patient’s examination, family history, lab results and brain scans to make a diagnosis.

You can watch for the following signs, which could be indicators of dementia:

• Disheveled appearance or grooming
• Poor hygiene or cleanliness
• Lack of interest in friends or activities
• Forgetfulness or loss of short-term memory
• Differences in sleep habits
• Depression
• Increase in incontinence
• Trouble with food preparation
• Changes in appetite and food preferences
• Loss of reasoning and judgment skills
• Inability to safely manage medications
• Wandering
• Stacks of mail and unpaid bills
• Problems with managing finances
• Pets being neglected or overfed/underfed
• Unwatered or overwatered plants
• Alcohol abuse

If your loved one is displaying a combination of these signs, you should consider seeking help from medical professionals. The time may come when you decide to seek assistance for your loved one with memory loss. At Renaissance North Tampa, you’ll find quality dementia care within a close-knit community – where your loved one can experience a healthier, more fulfilling lifestyle.