Learning the Difference Between Dementia & Normal Memory Loss In Seniors


Aging is a natural process of life that brings with it many changes and challenges. The body experiences many physical changes as well as mental changes. Whenever something with the body is not quite right, it is attributed to normal aging. The muscles, joints, immune system, and every aspect of the body also get older during the aging process. The mind is not as alert as it once was, and many become concerned that they are experiencing early signs of Dementia. Forgetfulness and slight memory loss are normal in most senior citizens, and these are no indication that there is a cognitive decline. Older adults are not clear on the difference between Dementia and normal memory loss due to aging. Home Care Sarasota shares some useful info below;

Things To Know

The changes that occur from aging affect mental and physical abilities and can increase the risk of some diseases. How you age mostly depends on genetics, lifestyle, and environment. Supporting healthy aging can be accomplished by eating a healthy diet, challenging the brain, and being physically active. Making these choices will not guarantee that you will live a healthier disease-free life, but it will help decrease your risks. It is natural to have concerns about changes in your mental abilities.

Normal Memory Loss

You want to be able to do your daily routines, relive treasured moments of your life, and be self-sufficient without disease and concerns about memory and Dementia. All older adults will not have issues with memory, but about 40% of the senior population will. Normal memory loss happens, but you are still capable of doing your daily activities without interruption. This usually consists of forgetting a word that was on your mind during a conversation, not being able to remember the name of someone you knew well or forgetting why you walked into a room. Once you focus, it comes back to you. This may happen often, but it does not mean you have Dementia.

Dementia

Dementia is a cognitive disorder with memory loss that gradually worsens. Your mental abilities will seriously deteriorate, and you are no longer capable of caring for yourself. There are different levels of memory loss, but not all memory loss is Dementia. These levels are age-associated memory impairment, mild cognitive impairment, and Dementia. Age-associated memory loss is just what it implies. It is due to normal aging. The mild cognitive impairment carries other symptoms that may make it difficult for older adult to manage their daily routine and care. This is more of a prelude to Dementia.

The symptoms of mild cognitive impairment include disorientation, and difficulty speaking which is not a symptom of age-associated memory loss. Dementia affects your daily life, and you find it difficult to complete a task. It is impossible to learn new things, and family and friends begin to notice the changes that are taking place. Sarasota Home Care highly suggests that if you have concerns about your senior loved one's memory loss, take them to see their physician for a proper diagnosis. It could be due to normal aging.

Location: Sarasota, FL 34236, USA

Comments

New comments are not allowed.

Popular posts from this blog

How To Give Excellent Elder Care?

Image
Watching a senior loved one grow older, and enjoy good health, is something that many families can appreciate. Older adults want to self-care as long as they can. Staying in their home is vital for their well-being. Family members realize that the time will come when one day their senior loved one may need extra help doing everyday tasks. There may be health issues that make it impossible for older adults to continue living alone, and elder care will be inevitable. Usually, the decision is made among family members as to who would be the senior's caregiver when the time comes. Family Caregivers May Be Limited A family caregiver will provide much loving care for their senior loved one but may be limited as to what the senior needs in the various aspects of their care. Family caregivers know what they want for their older adult, and will strive hard to give them exactly what the senior desires. The family will cater to the senior loved one in an effort to keep their content. As the...
Read more

5 Steps to Alleviate a Senior’s Fear of Exercising

Image
Older adults to exercise daily are less vulnerable to serious health conditions. However, many seniors fear exercise, especially if they have faced injuries during workouts in the past and may be due to bone health conditions like arthritis and osteoporosis. If your aging loved one hesitates to engage in regular physical activities, Home Care Sarasota professionals share a few easy and effective steps to help him or her alleviate the fear of exercising. Emphasize the Benefits of Exercise It is normal for seniors to think about the negative aspects of working out. For instance, they may think that their muscles feel sore after exercise or claim exercise to be boring. Encourage your loved one to find the positive side of working out by listing various benefits he or she can be able to enjoy, like alleviating the pain associated with osteoporosis. Consult a Physician Seniors who fear getting hurt during exercise may feel more confident with their physician’s approval. During your lov...
Read more