Forgetfulness is a common occurrence as we age – but memory loss, combined with other behaviors, can be indications of Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s or another memory condition requiring medical attention. According to the World Health Organization, there are 55 million people currently living with dementia worldwide. The Alzheimer’s Association estimates that 6.7 million Americans aged 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s in 2023.
Here are some signs memory loss concerns may warrant a professional diagnosis:
Dementia can affect the frontal lobe causing many people to act in a way that is out of character. This can mean loss of initiative or decreased interest in activities that once excited them. Learn more.
Cognitive decline can create increased difficulty for seniors living with the disease. They may be angry, saddened or frustrated by these changes. Learn more.
While loss of short-term memory and operational ability is often normal in aging, folks with dementia and related conditions face more significant challenges with their memory, including forgetting names and faces. Learn more.
Seniors with memory impairments often forget how to complete typical routines or tasks such as daily hygiene or cooking a favorite meal. Those with Parkinson’s specifically struggle with movement due to stiffness and loss of balance. Learn more.
Beyond changes in personality, you may notice a loved one completely mistaking the meaning of familiar words, substituting words for others that don’t fit. They might also have issues with abstract thinking and understanding numbers and/or symbols. Learn more.
Losing neurons in the frontal lobe may affect judgment. As a result, people with Alzheimer’s and dementia may not understand their actions which may be putting their safety or the safety of others at risk. Learn more.
A key sign of dementia is experiencing confusion in familiar environments or losing awareness of time and place. Your loved one may misplace items or get lost in familiar places. Learn more.
At CareOne, we treat your family like our own. If you suspect your loved one might have memory loss, call a CareOne memory care facility near you to speak to a memory care specialist and learn more about suitable care options.
