Telling the Difference Between Normal Forgetfulness and Dementia
One of the most feared parts of getting older is losing your memory. While forgetfulness is sometimes part of life, there is a difference between standard forgetfulness and dementia. So, how can you tell if your loved one is simply forgetful or showing signs of dementia? Here is what our providers of senior home care in Naperville want you to know.
Standard Forgetfulness Symptoms
The following symptoms may be frustrating, but they are not a cause for concern.
- Absentmindedness: This relates to your brain’s ability to focus and it might become more prevalent over time. For example, if you have an appointment scheduled at a certain time and you forget about it, this is likely because you were not preoccupied with the thought.
- Transience: This occurs when your brain forgets certain memories over time. This is a standard part of getting older and not anything that is out of the ordinary.
- Forgetfulness: There are many health issues that are associated with forgetfulness and memory loss. Those who suffer from depression are often mistaken for having the symptoms of dementia because they are so preoccupied with the cause of their sadness or anxiety.
Possible Signs of Dementia
If your loved one is exhibiting the following signs, it could be a warning that dementia is coming and that senior home care in Naperville is needed.
- Forgetting important information such as the names of friends and family members or certain words is a sign that a visit to the doctor is needed.
- A change in personality: the Alzheimer’s Association notes that those who suffer from dementia may suffer from major personality changes. For example, your loved one may be suddenly more prone to aggressive behavior. If this is the case, rely on our senior home care in Naperville.
- Disorientation in new environments in terms of both place and time.
When in doubt, seek care and extra help. Contact our team at Home & Hearth Caregivers to see a comprehensive list of our services.