Everyone is forgetful on occasion. We may lose our car keys, forget about a coffee date with a friend, or completely blank out when trying to remember the name of our grandson’s new girlfriend. Getting a bit forgetful is simply a fact of growing older. In fact, if your slight memory loss is bothersome, there are some reversible causes you can investigate. However, these age-related lapses in memory are very different than early-stage dementia symptoms. When should you be concerned about forgetfulness and seek medical help?
Warning Sign of Dementia
Dementia slowly erodes memory, judgment, reasoning, language, and thinking skills. When a senior citizen is concerned that their forgetfulness might indicate something more serious, dementia is often top of mind. However, not all incidents of forgetfulness are warning signs for dementia. Minor, easy to manage occurrences that don’t affect your overall ability to live or work independently should not concern you. But when should you begin to get concerned? The National Institute on Aging suggests keeping an eye out for red flags such as:
- Experiencing memory loss that affects or impedes an independent lifestyle
- Getting lost or disoriented in a familiar area
- Asking repetitive questions or repeating the same stories without realizing it
- Forgetting common words frequently
- Misplacing items in inappropriate locations
- Struggling with everyday tasks and chores
- Experiencing uncharacteristic mood swings or unexplained behavioral changes
- Losing the ability to follow precise instructions or direction
What Can Be Done About Forgetfulness?
The good news is, there are many reasons you may be experiencing forgetfulness that is not related to dementia. Several medical issues can cause memory problems, and the right treatment plan may restore your memory. Here are a few possibilities that may be causing your memory lapses:
Medications: Some medicines or combinations of drugs can cause issues related to memory
Vitamin B-12 Deficiency: Vitamin B-12 is vital for maintaining healthy nerve and red blood cells. B-12 deficiencies can cause memory issues and are common in senior citizens.
Alcoholism: Chronic alcoholism impairs mental cognition, which typically returns after use is discontinued.
Brain Disease: A brain infection or tumor can cause memory and cognitive issues. While not a minor issue, it may be reversible with treatment or surgery.
Hypothyroidism: An underactive thyroid may cause a lethargic metabolism, slow or foggy thinking, and memory issues.
Head Trauma: A head injury, even one that does not cause unconsciousness, can trigger cognitive and memory problems.
Emotional Conditions: Stress, anxiety, and depression can result in challenges with memory and thinking.
Forgetfulness – When to Consult a Physician
If you’re concerned about forgetfulness or memory issues, either for yourself or a loved one, it is best to consult with a physician. Because these issues often have an underlying physical cause, your doctor will typically begin with a complete examination. They can run tests to establish a baseline, determine the extent of any existing problem, and evaluate any possible causes. There will be questions to judge and assess your cognitive skills, and they may ask for bloodwork or imaging tests.
Even though you may feel a bit embarrassed, it is best to be as honest as possible when answering questions regarding your forgetfulness. If treatment can reverse your difficulties, you’ll want your doctor to have all the pertinent information! If your doctor has any concerns or requires further information, you may be sent to specialists such as a neurologist, geriatrician, or psychiatrist. Not only will this help if the intervention can treat your memory condition, but if dementia is the diagnosis, you will catch it early.
Forgetfulness is common but may not always be serious. Understanding when you can laugh about it – and when you should be concerned – can make everyday mishaps a lot less stressful.
If you or a loved one is experiencing memory issues that make a skilled and compassionate care home a necessity, we invite you to tour A Banyan Residence. We are happy to answer any questions you may have about quality memory care in The Villages.
