Dementia or Memory Loss — Evaluating Your Loved One’s Memory

Alzheimer’s is currently the sixth-leading cause of death in America. At present, more than 5 million individuals are living with dementia. By the year 2050, this figure is expected to rise to 14 million. 80% of these individuals are above the age of 75.

The terms Alzheimer’s and dementia are often used interchangeably but that’s incorrect. Dementia refers to a set of symptoms that indicate memory loss. In contrast, Alzheimer’s is a specific disease that’s a cause of dementia.

In this post, we’ll discuss how to help a senior loved one dealing with dementia.

Know the differences

Occasional memory lapses are pretty normal among aged individuals and they don’t always mean dementia.

Let’s take a look at the differences:

· If a senior loved one deals with occasional memory lapses but is mostly able to function independently—it’s not dementia. However, individuals with dementia will find it difficult to perform simple tasks and often forget how to do things they’ve done multiple times.

· Elders with dementia often feel disoriented or get lost even if they’re in familiar places. However, if your loved one struggles to remember directions but doesn’t eventually get lost—it’s normal age-related forgetfulness.

· Finding it difficult to remember the right word during a conversation is a sign of forgetfulness. On the other hand, individuals with dementia tend to repeat the same stories and phrases in the same conversation. Their words are often garbled and misused.

· Even if a loved one is dealing with age-related forgetfulness, their decision-making ability and judgment remains the same. However, senior loved ones with dementia often find it hard to make choices, show poor judgment. They also often unknowingly act in socially inappropriate ways.

How can you help?

We know it’s heartbreaking when an aging parent or a senior loved one calls you a different name or doesn’t recognize you. Don’t take it personally. You need to realize that it’s not their fault. Things will become tougher for them if you make it obvious that you’re hurt. The last thing you should do is overwhelm the person with your reaction. Stay calm.

If they don’t understand something you’ve said, be patient with their questions. Give them brief and simple explanations. Don’t overexplain and give lengthy reasons. It’ll only make them feel more confused. Your tone matters a lot! Don’t scold them. Even if you’re correcting them, make it sound like a polite suggestion.

Instead of saying, ‘Come on mom, how can you forget who she is?’, you should consider saying, ‘Mama, I think she is your granddaughter Julie—don’t you think so?’

To help them recall things and memories, show them photos and other thought-provoking items. Take them to places where important events might have taken place. The key is not to overwhelm them with more than they can take.

Seeing a loved one deal with dementia is emotionally taxing. If you’re based in Sacramento, consider senior care services offered by Natomas Family Practice. To get started, book an appointment for a senior wellness exam now.