When to Be Worried About Memory Loss

As we grow older, it’s normal to experience moments of forgetfulness. Everyone misplaces an item around the house or forgets to pay a bill on occasion. However, if memory loss begins to impact someone’s daily life, there could be a greater cause for concern.

Normal Forgetfulness or Something More? What to Watch For

If you’ve noticed that your senior parent or loved one is struggling to recall information on a regular basis, it can be hard to tell if it’s a typical part of aging or a more serious problem, like dementia. According to the National Institute on Aging, there are several red flags to watch out for. The following behaviors could indicate that the senior is experiencing cognitive decline:

Repeating the same questions over and over.
Getting lost in places that they’re typically familiar with, such as the grocery store or even their own home.
Having trouble following a recipe, directions, or other basic instructions.
Neglecting their hygiene and wearing dirty clothes.
Having poor judgment or behaving in an unsafe manner.
Struggling to keep track of personal finances and consistently missing payments.
Mood swings and irritability.
Losing track of what date or time of year it is.
Having a hard time keeping up during conversations.
Misplacing important items and being unable to find them.
Withdrawing from social events because they’re afraid of forgetting names.

When to Seek Help

Pay attention to your loved one’s memory changes over a period of a few months. Certain factors can make them more forgetful than usual– for instance, if they’re sick, stressed, or taking a new medication. If these memory shifts don't resolve and you feel that their daily routine has been impacted because they’re unable to perform basic tasks, don’t hesitate to seek professional help! Talk to their healthcare provider to see if your family member should be evaluated for dementia. Memory loss is frightening for both older adults and their families, but early detection is key to getting them the assistance and treatment they need moving forward.

Dementia Care with Visiting Angels Can Help

For seniors who have recently been diagnosed with dementia or a memory-related condition, Visiting Angels Scotch Plains offers invaluable support. Our dementia care program enables seniors to stay living in the comfort of their own homes, no matter their ability level. Their Visiting Angels caregiver will provide assistance with daily tasks, including personal care, medication management, and help with activities that keep their brain engaged. They’ll also monitor the senior to be sure they’re safe and secure at all times, giving you peace of mind as their family member.

Local Resources in Scotch Plains

We understand that when it comes to memory-related conditions, the more support you have for your senior loved one, the better. The following organizations can be useful for Scotch Plains families navigating dementia, Alzheimer’s, and cognitive decline:

If you’d like to learn more about our flexible home care services or set up a free consultation, call us at 908-322-0056 or contact us online today!

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