It's normal to notice some memory loss with age, however, Alzheimer's and dementia go beyond normal forgetfulness. Normal memory loss in seniors may include forgetting minor things. However, in dementia, it's a progressive decline in cognitive functions such as memory, language, and reasoning. At Sunrise Senior Living, we aim to be a resource as your senior loved one experiences changes in their memory. In this guide, we outline examples of normal memory loss, dementia symptoms, causes of memory loss, caregiver tips, and steps for seeking help when necessary so you can better support your loved one.
Understanding How Memory Changes with Age
Before jumping to conclusions about a loved one’s memory loss, it’s important to understand how memory naturally changes with age.
What Is Normal Age-Related Memory Loss?
Normal age-related memory loss, or more accurately referred to as cognitive change, may include changes to one’s brain that can slow memory recall. You might notice some forgetfulness, such as misplaced items, blanking on someone's name, or forgetting to pay some bills. This forgetfulness doesn't affect independence or daily activities, therefore you're still able to complete tasks normally.
Differences Between Short-Term and Long-Term Memory
Normal age-related memory loss or cognitive change often affects short-term memory more than long-term memory. Common examples of short-term memory loss include:
- Forgetting why you entered a room
- Misplacing your keys
- Forgetting an appointment but remembering it later
- Forgetting an often-used PIN
Support for Healthy Aging and Memory
Engaging one’s brain and body can help support healthy aging. Staying physically and mentally healthy could also support brain functioning. Social interactions may also help with your cognitive functioning. Learn new activities or Incorporate the following activities to help keep your brain sharp:
- Jigsaw puzzles
- Word puzzles
- Reading
- Social interactions
- Art projects
- Language classes
- Music
Signs That Memory Loss May Not Be Normal
Memory loss may not be normal if a loved one starts to display some of the signs below, according to the dementia symptoms identified by the National Institute on Aging.
Frequent or Severe Forgetfulness
When memory lapses become more frequent or severe, it could be a sign of abnormal memory loss, such as Alzheimer's or another form of dementia. Examples of frequent forgetfulness include:
- Repeating the same questions
- Forgetting new information
- Difficulty with learning new things
- Misplacing items and not being able to find them
- Forgetting the names of family members
Difficulty Performing Familiar Tasks
Cognitive changes that interfere with daily activities might be a sign of dementia. This can include not being able to complete normal, routine tasks, such as getting to and from the grocery store, following directions, or managing personal hygiene.
Confusion and Disorientation
If you or a loved one get confused about time or get lost in familiar places, it may be a sign of dementia. Someone with dementia may seem confused about everyday objects—things that should be familiar seem confusing, such as operating a microwave that they’ve always used. Cognitive decline can also make it difficult for people to think of words and communicate their thoughts.
Personality and Mood Changes
You might notice changes in behavior. Someone with dementia may withdraw from situations or lose interest in things they once enjoyed. Dementia can also impact judgment and reasoning, so you might notice impulsive actions. Additional examples of dementia-related behavioral changes may include the following:
- Paranoia
- Hallucinations
- Anxiety
- Aggression
- Mood swings
- Other unusual behaviors
Common Causes of Abnormal Memory Loss
There are several causes for abnormal memory loss, including the conditions listed below.
Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer's disease is often associated with memory loss in seniors, likely because it's the most common cause of dementia for older adults. The disease starts with mild cognitive symptoms, particularly short-term memory loss. As the condition progresses, it impacts more brain functions, including language skills and reasoning.
Dementia and Its Variants
Other types of dementia include:
- Vascular dementia: The onset of symptoms is usually faster than with Alzheimer's and may include difficulty with planning, slower thinking, concentration issues, and trouble following multiple steps. This type of dementia occurs due to issues with blood supply to the brain.
- Lewy body dementia: Protein clumps in brain cells, called Lewy bodies, cause this type of dementia. Early symptoms involve loss of problem-solving and spatial skills rather than memory as with Alzheimer's disease. It also causes sleep disturbances and movement issues, such as tremors and stiffness.
- Frontotemporal dementia (FTD): FTD symptoms often start at a younger age, usually between the age of 45 and 65, but it can still occur at any time. FTD typically starts with personality, behavior, and language changes. Short-term memory isn't usually affected as much in the early stages as it is with Alzheimer's.
- Mixed dementia: Some people are diagnosed with multiple types of dementia, such as Alzheimer's with vascular dementia.
Other Treatable Conditions That Impact Memory
In some cases, it’s possible for some treatable conditions to affect memory and mimic dementia-like symptoms according to dementia research by John Hopkins Medicine. These treatable conditions, sometimes referred to as reversible dementia, may include the following:
- Depression: Feeling depressed can cause forgetfulness and focus issues
- Stress: High levels of chronic stress or anxiety may increase your body’s cortisol, which affects the part of the brain that controls memory formation and recall.
- Thyroid disorders: Hypothyroidism slows your body, including your thinking, which could cause you to forget things that happened recently. Hyperthyroidism may also affect your concentration or cause depression.
- Vitamin deficiencies: Missing essential nutrients, such as vitamin B12, could affect your focus or memory.
- Medications: Certain prescription and over-the-counter drugs can impact your brain function. Interactions between multiple medications could make the problem worse.
- Low blood sugar: Severely low blood sugar levels can cause confusion and clumsiness. This can be an issue for people with diabetes who don't keep their blood sugar levels well-regulated.
- Lyme disease: The bacteria that causes Lyme disease can cause short-term memory issues if it reaches your nervous system. Early treatment minimizes the impact of Lyme disease.
- Urinary tract infections (UTI): UTIs may cause confusion, concentration issues, and mood changes similar to dementia symptoms, especially in older adults.
Scheduling a medical evaluation as soon as you notice memory issues in a loved one helps you get an accurate diagnosis.
How to Support a Loved One Experiencing Memory Loss
When an older adult starts to experience memory loss, it becomes crucial for their loved ones to be supportive. You can follow the tips below to better care for a loved one experiencing memory loss.
Practice Open Communication
Being empathetic and patient makes the conversation about memory loss easier. Choose a quiet, familiar place to have the conversation. A supportive, reassuring tone rather than a confrontational approach puts the person at ease. You might start by asking if they've noticed changes and describing what you've noticed.
Help Promote Brain Health and Cognitive Function
Incorporate brain-stimulating activities, such as word puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, reading, playing games, and arts and crafts to support brain health. Being physically active may also support cognitive function. Some practical options for older adults may include yoga, walking, swimming, and chair exercises.
Create a Safe and Supportive Environment
To help your loved one navigate the home safely as their cognitive needs change, you can make some environmental changes. Some changes around the house may include:
- Removing tripping hazards, such as scatter rugs and electrical cords
- Minimizing clutter
- Increasing light with nightlights and motion-sensor lights
- Installing grab bars
- Adding labels to doors and objects
- Using door alarms to alert you if they leave the home
Creating a consistent routine also keeps the day predictable, which can help reduce anxiety and confusion in your loved one. It can also help them maintain their independence.
Change Their Routine to Support Their Daily Life
The following caregiving tips can help you support your loved one with memory loss:
- Create a consistent schedule to support familiarity
- Reduce stress by creating a quiet and pleasant place in the home
- Play their favorite music
- Encourage them to engage in their normal daily activities or hobbies
- Use apps and timers to provide reminders
- Practice self-care to prevent caregiver burnout
- Provide reassurance and avoid correcting your loved one
- Use professional support services
When to Seek Help for Memory Loss
It can be difficult to know when to ask for a helping hand, especially as a primary caregiver who may not notice concerning changes right away. If you’re unsure about seeking help, learn about the warning signs to look for, the benefits of an early diagnosis, and when to seek memory loss care below.
Warning Signs That Should Prompt Medical Evaluation
If there are any concerns about memory, a medical evaluation might be warranted. If you’re unsure about how to test for dementia, your loved one’s doctor may recommend a specialist for a cognitive assessment. If you see any of these symptoms in your loved one, it might be time to schedule an appointment with their doctor:
- Confusion
- Forgetting family members
- Disruptions to normal activities
- Repeating questions
- Failing to care for oneself
The Benefits of an Early Dementia Diagnosis
An early diagnosis enables one to explore possible treatments and interventions. If treatable conditions are treated early, there may be a better chance for faster reversal of symptoms. If the diagnosis is dementia, early interventions may help to slow the progression of the disease, better manage the symptoms, and provide a better quality of life. It also gives families time to plan for future care.
Consult a Memory Care Specialist
See a memory care specialist, such as a neurologist or memory care expert for an evaluation or Alzheimer’s test. These experts know how to test for dementia. In addition to a physical exam and thorough review of the medical history, the specialist may order tests including brain imaging, blood tests for biomarkers, and a cognitive assessment to help identify the best treatments.
Sunrise Senior Living is another way for families to receive support. We provide memory care resources to help you better understand your loved one's diagnosis and explore care options.
Explore Memory Care Options
Professional memory care services provide a safe environment as dementia symptoms progress. You might consider a memory care community if your loved one is no longer safe at home or if their needs become too challenging for you to handle. Sunrise's personalized memory care programs use evidence-based approaches and proven techniques to create an engaging environment which promotes less stress and better days. The programs also offer thoughtful activities that promote meaning, purpose, and well-being.
Sunrise Senior Living's Approach to Memory Care
In a Sunrise memory care neighborhood, our trained team members provide compassionate, personalized care to enhance residents' quality of life. We build meaningful connections with residents through specialized one-on-one and group programming—incorporating their abilities and interests to increase engagement. We take care to create warm, comfortable, and secure spaces where memory care residents can interact and find joy in each day.
Understanding the differences between normal memory loss and dementia is one of the first steps you need to take to better support your loved one. It’s important to stay vigilant about potential cognitive changes to know when it may be time for a cognitive assessment or memory care. At Sunrise, we are here to support you as you navigate this chapter.
If you find that memory care is the right fit for your loved one, it might be helpful to find a local Sunrise community to learn more about our memory care services and how we can help.