It has happened to virtually everyone who has cared for an elderly loved one: your aging family member cannot come up with the right word, calls somebody by the wrong name, or can’t remember if they paid a bill and automatically your mind goes to Alzheimer’s disease. Memory loss is the most common and well-known symptom of this progressive form of dementia, and can be one of the earliest signs that many people notice. This does not mean, however, that any indication of memory loss or a temporary difficulty bringing a specific memory forward automatically means that your senior has dementia.

The brain changes as we get older, and for many people that means a decrease in cognitive functioning. They may take a little longer to learn a new skill, might occasionally forget something, or have slower response and decision-making times. This is a normal part of aging and not necessarily an indication of anything serious.

When you notice moments of memory loss in your elderly adult, it is important not to overreact. Evaluate the situation, the loss itself, and how it played out. It is completely normal for people, even young people, to forget the occasional name or not remember if they have done something that day. If this happens occasionally and your parent is later able to remember, it is likely nothing to worry about. If it starts to happen more frequently, they do not have “jogs” of their memory that remind them of what they forgot, or you are concerned that this loss is negatively impacting their functioning and quality of life, however, do not hesitate to talk to their doctor. They can evaluate your parent and determine if there is something more serious going on so that together all of you can make the decisions that are right for your parent.

Staring elderly care for your senior can be one of the best decisions that you make for them throughout the course of your caregiver journey with them. This is particularly true when your parent is living with Alzheimer’s disease. An elderly senior care services provider can be with your parent on a customized schedule to ensure that your senior gets all of the care, support, and assistance that they need while protecting your own health, well-being, and quality of life by reducing your care burden and ensuring that you are able to focus on the other obligations in your life, as well as yourself. The highly personalized services that your senior can receive from this care provider are designed to specifically address your loved one’s individual challenges, limitations, and needs now and into the future as they progress through the disease.

https://alz.org/10-signs-symptoms-alzheimers-dementia.asp
https://www.alz.org/facts/

If You Or An Aging Loved One Are Considering Hiring Elderly Care in St. Petersburg, FL, Please Contact The Caring Staff At Assisting Hands Home Care Today! 727-748-4211.