VISITING ANGELS RICHMOND, VA 804-353-0000
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What’s Normal When It Comes to Forgetfulness and Older Age

Everyone has the occasional memory lapse from time to time. We forget to pick up the dry cleaning, we forget to return the library books, we forget a friend’s birthday. When such memory lapses happen, the thought that we might have a memory impairment doesn’t even cross our minds. However, as we grow older and experience memory lapses, we may begin to wonder if this is normal or are we on the cusp of dementia.

Just as our bodies change with age, our minds too change as we grow older. It takes us longer to recall certain information. Our brain’s ability to process information slows. We may find it more and more difficult to multitask as we grow older. As our brains change with age, we can expect to experience memory lapses, and this is a normal part of the aging process. However, when memory lapses interfere with daily life in one or more of the following core brain functions, it may be time for a professional evaluation. If you are an older adult, or if you are caring for an aging loved one, here are a few guidelines to help you discern is this normal or is this dementia?

Recent Memory
As we grow older, it takes our brains longer to process, store, and retrieve information. It’s normal for an older adult to forget the names of their grandchildren or great-grandchildren from time to time, especially if the names are newer to them, as in a recent birth in the family. It can also be normal for an older adult to struggle recalling which day they went out to lunch with a friend or met with their doctor. What isn’t normal aging is forgetting that you have grandchildren or great-grandchildren, or that you even visited the doctor or met a friend for lunch earlier this week. Having no recollection of participating in an activity can be an indicator of memory impairment.

Language
Similarly, to recent memory, our ability to write, speak, and understand written or spoken words slows with age. It’s normal to have trouble following someone’s train of thought as we age, especially if that person is mumbling, speaking too fast, there’s too much background noise, or their native language isn’t your native language. It’s also normal to have word finding difficulties from time to time. Many people even recognize this is happening and say that the word is “on the tip of their tongue.” This is normal and can be expected with age. What isn’t normal is frequent word finding difficulties, being unable to read or write, or responding inappropriately during conversation because you can’t understand what’s being said.

Visuospatial Function
Visuospatial function refers to one’s ability to understand what’s around us and interpret spatial relationships. This includes both visual, the images that we see, as well as spatial, or our perception of the size and location of our surroundings. As we grow older, it’s normal to misjudge distances due to age-related vision changes. It’s also normal for an older person to get lost in an unfamiliar location or to misplace their car keys or glasses. What isn’t normal is having difficulty navigating everyday tasks, such as going down the stairs in one’s home or getting in and out of the bathtub. It’s not normal for an older adult to get lost in familiar environments or to wander aimlessly. It isn’t normal to be unable to recognize familiar faces or find objects in plain sight.

Executive Function
Finally, executive functioning refers to the ability to organize, plan, and carry out a set of tasks in an efficient manner. The executive function area of the brain is also responsible for our ability to self-monitor and control our behaviors. It’s normal for an older adult to reread a recipe or refer back to the recipe several times while baking or cooking, especially if the recipe is new or not used frequently. It’s also normal for an older adult to need to write down information so that they can refer back to it, such as doctor’s recommendations or even their to-do list. What isn’t normal is not being able to get oneself dressed or not being able to feed or bathe oneself. Other signs of executive function impairment include socially inappropriate behavior, difficulty making plans for later in the day, or not recognizing and understanding how one’s own behavior affects those around them.

If you are concerned about yourself or your aging loved one, and think they may be in the early stages of dementia, Visiting Angels Richmond is here to help. We are very familiar with Alzheimer’s and dementia care services and we believe in offering choices to create a customized plan of care that meets your needs. Our caregivers are well versed in dementia education and understand the nuances of the disease. Whether you have received a recent diagnosis of memory impairment or are simply looking for more assistance in your day-to-day routine, we can provide you with the services you need. Please contact us today to set up a free consultation.

Serving communities in the Metro Richmond Area including Richmond, Mechanicsville, Glen Allen, Short Pump, Henrico & Hanover Counties

Visiting Angels RICHMOND, VA
4914 Radford Ave #211
Richmond, VA 23230
Phone: 804-353-0000

Serving communities in the Metro Richmond Area including Richmond, Mechanicsville, Glen Allen, Short Pump, Henrico & Hanover Counties

Visiting Angels RICHMOND, VA
4914 Radford Ave #211
Richmond, VA 23230
Phone: 804-353-0000