Many people worry about the aging process for ourselves, our parents, or grandparents. You notice changes in memory, actions, and speech, and we begin to wonder if something is wrong. You know by instinct that something is different. What is it? Should you worry about it? Should you discuss it with your loved ones, or are they just getting older, and it’s just part of the natural aging process? Are these the first signs of dementia?
Symptoms of Natural Aging
As you age, your body and mind will begin to change. However, mental changes are common, and most seniors will encounter these regularly. These symptoms should not impact your everyday life. They should be a minor irritation that you can live with, laugh at, and not worry about. Below are several natural aging traits are commonly seen in people moving into their senior years:
• Occasionally forgetting names or appointments
• Occasionally forgetting what has been said
• Misplacing things like keys, phones, etc.
• Taking longer to think things through or to solve problems
• Getting confused with multiple tasks
• Occasionally making errors with home finances
• Occasionally struggling for the right word
• Sometimes straining to keep up with a conversation
• Going into a room and forgetting the reason for being there
• Developing habits and resisting if the routine is changed
• Becoming more irritable than normal
The above symptoms are a sure sign that they are now part of the senior world. It is important to identify and benchmark where you or a loved one’s stands in the aging process. The difference between normal aging and the onset of dementia is that normal mental aging symptoms begin to worsen and start to affect everyday life negatively, whereas dementia is a slow decline in memory, thinking, and reasoning skills. This is a great time to start doing some research and consider developing a plan to discuss with your loved one.
Potential Signs of Dementia
Below is a list of more advanced symptoms that may indicate a need to consult with a medical professional who can perform a complete evaluation. These include:
• Regularly forgetting names of friends or family members
• Forgetting recent events
• Asking the same question repeatedly
• Putting objects in unusual places (ex: car keys in the refrigerator)
• Getting confused on a regular basis
• Problems concentrating
• Poor judgment
• Trouble keeping up with monthly bills
• Having difficulty finding the right words or giving objects odd names
• Problems following conversations
• Becoming withdrawn and uninterested
• Becoming increasingly irritable
Dementia onset is different for everyone affected. Patients may have a few of these warning signs or many. The only way to know what’s going on is to see a qualified physician and get a complete evaluation.
We know that this is a difficult time, and the decisions you make on behalf of your loved one are important. If your senior is experiencing a form of dementia, it may be time to consider senior living options. At Evergreen Senior Living in Chillicothe, our care is driven by a unique philosophy called Life Unrehearsed™, which combines proven compassionate approaches to prompt positive interactions and daily success for our seniors. Give us a call today to learn (309) 274-5440.
