|
Memory Loss With Aging
By
Libet Callahan |
 Rockland
- For many people some level of memory loss is a normal
part of the aging process. But for others, memory problems
can be an indication of a far more serious condition. Loss
of memory becomes serious when it affects an individual’s
safety and daily living. Studies show that many people with
memory loss or other cognitive disorders fail to discuss the
issue with their doctor, choosing to keep their escalating
condition to themselves. As a caregiver, this can make your
job of providing proper care even more challenging.
There are many things that can be done to help seniors with
age related memory loss. Keeping seniors mentally challenged
and active (both physically and mentally) is very important.
Establishing daily routines will help keep them more
organized in their homes and enable them to remember what
needs to be done on a daily basis.
Here are some suggestions:
- Keep a list of daily activities to be done.
- Follow a routine.
- Keep one calendar for appointments and activities.
- Put important items in the same place every time
(keys, glasses etc.).
Keep the Body and Mind Active
- Watch the news each day.
- Play challenging games - cards, Scrabble, crossword
puzzles, watch and play along with game shows (Jeopardy,
Wheel of Fortune, and Family Feud).
- Get exercise - take a walk (inside or out) and do
light exercises including stretching exercises.
- Assist with chores-such as folding laundry
How will you know when a memory problem becomes a serious
issue? Forgetting words, names or phrases becomes more
common as one gets older and can be irritating, but such
symptoms are often not serious. Memory loss becomes of
greater concern when a loved one cannot remember how to do
common tasks that they have done many times before (i.e.
getting lost while driving to the supermarket, forgetting
how to operate an appliance, or how to button a coat or
shirt).
Another cause for concern is when a person has unusual
trouble making simple choices such as what to wear or what
to have for dinner or order at a restaurant.
Declining cognitive ability can manifest itself through
changes in personality, increased anxiety, irritability or
suspicion of others and/ or their motives. If you suspect
that a loved one may be developing a serious memory problem,
start keeping a log of observed behaviors and discuss your
concern with other family members to validate your
observations and see if they have witnessed similar
behavioral traits.
There are many possible causes for memory loss. These
include; depression, stress, side effects of drugs, thyroid
problems, B-12 deficiency, strokes, alcoholism, head injury,
Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.
If you suspect that a family member’s memory loss go beyond
simple aging, make an appointment with their doctor to have
further testing done to determine if there is a problem and
explore possible treatments. |
About The Author
Libet Callahan RN, BSN is the President and Owner of
Right at Home Homecare in Rockland and serves families
throughout the South Shore. Right at Home provides
companion, homemaker and personal care services that enable
seniors and others to remain in the comfort of their own
home for as long as possible. Libet is a graduate of
Columbia University School of Nursing and has worked in
community nursing on the South Shore for many years. Libet
may be reached at (781) 681-3545 or email at libet@rah-southshore.com.
|
|
