Are you or your loved one becoming more forgetful as the years go by? Have you ever wondered what the difference is where forgetfulness vs. dementia is concerned? Is the risk of developing dementia particularly worrisome for you or a loved one?

As we age, we all tend to become a bit more forgetful. But when might it go beyond common forgetfulness and become something more worrisome – like dementia? First of all, please be aware of this: Though rare types of dementia may be hereditary, the majority of dementia isn’t.

Forgetfulness

You may have heard people refer to “vague moments” or “senior moments” being experienced the older they get. This can be the beginning signs of dementia or it can simply be a routine part of aging. It may not be time to consider a memory care community, just yet.

Some people are quick to say, “I’m only in my 40s (or 50s)! I can’t possibly have early signs of dementia.” Unfortunately, they are misinformed. What needs to happen is that these “senior moments” be examined more closely. At the time of their forgetfulness, were they busy? Tired or preoccupied? If so, it’s more likely routine forgetfulness related to aging and less likely dementia.

Additionally, the following types of forgetfulness may be more related to routine aging than dementia:

You had a hard time remembering something earlier but later, you remembered.
To remember certain things (like when to take your medication) you use calendars, your phone timer, etc.
Simple absentmindedness or transience.
You’re so busy that you forget things (like attending a meeting).
Throughout the day, you were exceedingly busy and realized that you forgot to do any number of things. However, at the end of the day, you’re able to feed yourself, take a nice bath, etc.

Dementia

There is a big difference between normal age-related forgetfulness and signs of dementia. The following are more closely related to dementia and less to normal aging-related forgetfulness:

Truly important information is forgotten more and more.
Simple tasks become more difficult (normal hygiene, picking someone up from school/work, paying your bills, etc.).
In familiar settings, you find yourself getting lost or forgetting how to get somewhere that you’ve frequented in the past.
In new settings, you become disoriented (this can even apply to time and place). You find new information difficult to remember and/or process.
Words that you really should have at your disposal are harder and harder to find.
You are exercising poor judgment more often.
Decision-making has become increasingly difficult.
Your personality is changing (others may notice this more than you).

Note: If you are concerned that you or a loved one may be experiencing cognitive related issues, it’s crucial to make an appointment for an evaluation.

Caring for Those with Dementia at Rittenhouse Village At Northside

We provide a caring professional team highly educated and skilled in caring for those with cognitive issues, courtesy of our SHINE® Memory Care program here at Rittenhouse Village At Northside.

If you’d like more information about our community, please contact us. Better yet, schedule a tour to see, in person, what we have to offer.