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)
• Reduced ability to multi-task
• Absentmindedness
• Transience (when the brain forgets some memories over time, possibly making room for new ones)

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

Dementia-related symptoms:

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

An important distinction to make is that those experiencing dementia are often unable to recognize their memory problems – while an older adult experiencing normal forgetfulness or “senior moments” generally is aware of their own lack of recall. Unlike normal age-related forgetfulness, memory loss linked to dementia is progressive and will steadily worsen over time.

In general, when memory loss prevents someone from performing daily tasks and accustomed roles in life, experts recommend a consultation with a physician for further evaluation. Because dementia is a clinical diagnosis, a clinician needs to merge all the information from the patient’s examination, family history, lab results and brain scans in order to make a diagnosis.

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

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

If your loved one is showing several of the above signs, you should consider seeking help from medical professionals. The time may come that 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.