Do Memory Problems Always Indicate Alzheimer’s Disease?
Most older adults worry about becoming forgetful because they believe that it is the first sign of cognitive conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease. It helps to know that not everyone with memory problems has dementia or Alzheimer’s. Misplacing your keys or forgetting someone’s name could merely be due to the aging process. Read on to find out what the experts in our memory care assisted living community have to say about aging and memory issues.
Age-Related Memory Problems in Seniors
According to the specialists in our assisted living community, forgetfulness often becomes a part of life as we age. As a result, you may notice that you don’t remember details like before, or it may take you more time to recall things and learn new skills. These are a few indications of mild forgetfulness and should not be mistaken for cognitive diseases.
How is Normal Aging Different from Alzheimer’s Disease?
| Normal Forgetfulness | Alzheimer’s Disease |
|---|---|
| Forgetting the date or which day it is and recalling the detail later | Losing complete track of the day or which year it is |
| Forgetting which words to use when having a conversation | Frequent speech troubles when conversing with people |
| Misplacing your things and remembering their location later | Misplacing your belongings frequently and not being to locate them |
| Missing a monthly payment once in a while | Troubles in managing monthly payments |
| Making a bad decision occasionally | Making poor judgments frequently and the inability to make the right choices |
When it comes to memory-related concerns in seniors, it does not always mean Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, or any other serious condition. It could also be related to the following:
Memory Loss Associated with Medical Conditions
It helps to know that specific ailments can also cause memory-related issues. You may be able to be cured of your issues once you receive the right treatment for your condition. A few instances are as follows:
- Blood clots or tumors in the brain
- Head injuries such as a concussion due to an accident or fall
- Kidney, thyroid, or liver disorders
- Side effects of particular medications
- Deficiency of minerals and vitamins in the body, such as vitamin B12
In such cases, it is best to consult your doctor for the right treatment.
Memory Issues Associated with Emotional Problems
According to the experts in our memory care assisted living facility, emotional problems, including anxiety, stress, and depression, can make a person forgetful. The forgetfulness and confusion in such cases are temporary. Although emotional difficulties can be handled with the support of family and friends, it helps to consult a doctor if they continue for more than 2-3 weeks. Also, learning new skills and keeping yourself busy and active can help you improve your memory.
We Have the Best Memory Care Assisted Living to Help You
If you are worried about having memory problems and believe that round-the-clock assistance would help to make your life easy, our assisted living community in Rhode Island is an ideal choice. We have qualified and friendly staff to cater to your needs and help you lead a happy and healthy life. We take the utmost care of our residents and treat them with the respect and love they deserve.
For more details about our memory care assisted living, please call us at 401-371-3220. We’ll be happy to help you.
Related:
- Food for Better Brain Health & Memory
- How to Improve Memory & Brain Health as We Age
- 6 Easy Activities & Games for Senior Adults with Memory Problems