When is Forgetfulness a Sign of a Bigger Problem?

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Experts report “at least half of those over age 65 say they are more forgetful than they were when they were younger, experiencing ‘senior moments’ of things like where they put things or recalling somebody’s name.” While several studies show as many as 40 percent of seniors suffer from some level of memory loss, this doesn’t necessarily mean Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia. 

Doctors say we need to remember Alzheimer’s is not a normal part of aging, and there are some characteristics which separate age-related memory loss from dementia. One example is forgetting how to program your remote control or operate a piece of machinery after not doing it for a while. They stress this is common and typically not a cause for concern but forgetting how to get home or perform routine tasks may be a sign of a bigger problem. 

Another symptom of Alzheimer’s or other memory loss diseases is forgetting what an object is used for or what it is. Someone with Alzheimer’s can forget they wear glasses or not recognize the glasses as their own. The same goes for forgetting names. A common problem is to forget a person’s name but a more serious problem is to forget easy words or replace them with something strange, making the person difficult to understand.

However, feeling you are forgetful may be cause for concern according to Dr. Barry Reisberg, director of the Fisher Alzheimer’s Disease Education and Resources Program at New York University Langone Medical Center. In a study in which Dr. Reisberg was involved, the findings showed “seniors with subjective memory complaints are, over many years, 4.5 times more likely to develop mild cognitive impairment or dementia than those who do not have such memory complaints.” Therefore, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider about any worries you may have.

Along with assisted living, MorningStar of Wheat Ridge provides specialized care for those with mild to advanced stages of Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  Every aspect of our care addresses the needs of our residents starting with the very design of our Reflections Neighborhood to a wide range of wellness programs, activities and healthy, delicious meals.  Please visit our website for more information about MorningStar’s all-inclusive, compassionate senior apartments.  

MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us to learn more about the finest retirement communities in Wheat Ridge, CO.

Source: alzinfo.org/articles/diagnosis/just-forgetful-or-is-it-dementia/

Visiting Your Healthcare Provider for Memory Problems

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If you or a loved one is experiencing troubling memory problems, it is important to see your healthcare provider. While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s or other dementia-related diseases, there are steps you can take to mitigate or delay the onset of the disease. 

The Alzheimer’s Association explains, “Physicians and other medical professionals are a central part of the care team of a person living with dementia. Along with other members — which may include family, friends or others — they work to provide support throughout the course of the disease.” Therefore, one of the best ways to ensure optimal care is to honestly communicate with your physician.  

To establish a good relationship with the doctor, a person or family member should take some time to prepare for the visit. Helpful tips from the Alzheimer’s Association include:

  • Document any changes in your health, including your mood, memory and behaviors.

  • Make a note of any changes you’ve noticed since your last appointment.

  • Create a list of current prescriptions and over-the-counter medications.

  • Write down any vitamins or supplements you’ve added to your medication regimen.

  • Make a list of questions you want to ask.

Writing down questions you have beforehand makes sure you don’t forget them, and don’t be reluctant to ask questions if you don’t understand something. The Alzheimer’s Association National Early-Stage Advisory Group, made up of men and women in the early stages of Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, put together a list of questions to help others make the most of a doctor’s visit. Questions range from asking about the type of tests used to make a diagnosis, what to expect from the disease, and what type of treatments may be used. When seeing a specialist, ask how familiar they are with caring for patients with Alzheimer’s disease. 

At MorningStar at Mountain Shadows, we offer senior living communities along with 19 suites for those with memory loss diseases. We provide support to our residents and their families with the kind of services, wellness programs and activities essential to quality of life. Our approach to memory care is encompassed under the expanse of possibilities we call Lavender Sky and uses Montessori-based therapy techniques. Contact us or visit our website for more information on retirement communities.

MorningStar has considered it a privilege and responsibility to “cast a new light” on senior living, inspired and empowered by our unique mission: to honor, to value, to invest. Our passionate commitment to serving seniors has proudly earned us a reputation for satisfaction that is second to none. Contact us to learn more about the finest senior apartments in Colorado Springs.

Source: alz.org/media/documents/alzheimers-dementia-communicating-doctor-health-care-pro-ts.pdf