There is no better time than the holidays to gather with family members as you celebrate and reflect on traditions and memories. Taking time to reminisce about the past is an enjoyable experience for so many… but it may also put pressure on some seniors to recall details of a story, memory, or conversation, leaving them frustrated or overwhelmed.
AS YOU GATHER WITH YOUR LOVED ONES, WATCH FOR THESE 6 SIGNS OF MEMORY LOSS:
CONFUSION AND FORGETFULNESS
We certainly all have our moments of confusion and stress, especially around the busy holidays. Small, isolated incidents may not be a reason for concern, but these signs may indicate a potential memory disorder.
- Asking the same questions over and over
- Mixing up words in sentences, like calling an object a funny name or not being able to remember its name at all
- Unable to do familiar activities, like following an old family recipe
- Getting overly frustrated at doing a task that would have been easier for them before
- Misplacing things in inappropriate places or not being able to recall where they left them
EXCESS CLUTTER OR HOARDING
Not everyone is a “clean freak.” However, hoarding is a common early indicator of dementia and impaired judgment. While being untidy isn’t always concerning behavior, it can lead to unsanitary living conditions, fire risk, and an increased risk of falling. Hoarding signs can also include stacks of unpaid bills or unopened mail, which can have serious financial implications. If a previously neat and organized relative is suddenly living in a cluttered environment, you will want to find out why.
POOR HYGIENE
A lack of bathing or other hygiene issues can be an indicator of more complex problems. Seniors who are afraid of falling or lack mobility may choose not to bathe for safety reasons. Depression and dementia can also cause older adults to neglect their grooming and hygiene.
WEARING INAPPROPRIATE OR SOILED CLOTHING
While wearing the same outfit for several days in a row, or donning a sundress in the coldest months of the year could be a charming eccentricity, it may also be an indicator of Alzheimer’s Disease or dementia. Seniors who refuse to change their clothes could be doing so because they are losing the ability to keep track of time. They may also be seeking security or comfort or are exhibiting a need for control. An older adult who physically struggles with dressing themselves may also avoid changing their clothing regularly.
PERSONALITY OR MOOD CHANGES
Changes in mood and personality are common symptoms of people with Alzheimer’s Disease. As the neurons in their brains deteriorate, a person’s behavior might change depending on the area of the brain that is affected. An outgoing, sociable person may suddenly become shy and inhibited, and seniors who are sensing changes in their cognitive ability may intentionally withdraw out of fear of being “discovered.” Significant personality changes could signal a need for a doctor’s visit.
UNUSUAL SLEEP PATTERNS
Our hormones, health conditions, and lifestyle all change as we age—and each of these variables has an impact on our sleep patterns. However, significant issues with sleep can be an indication of a cognitive or memory disorder like Alzheimer’s Disease. Damage to the part of the brain that acts as our internal clock could cause us to sleep during the day and be alert overnight. Sundowning, or increased agitation in the late afternoon and early evening, can also indicate dementia or other cognitive disorder.
If you notice any of these in a loved one, speaking to a professional is important. One place you can start is by scheduling a free memory screening. Free screenings are available locally at Synexus Research, located in The Villages. To schedule your free appointment, you can call (352) 661-7231.
WHY A MEMORY EVALUATION IS IMPORTANT
If it truly is memory loss, like any health problem, the earlier you intervene, the better. Sometimes, people have “pseudo memory loss.” This is when another health problem is going on that is not any kind of dementia. While memory loss seems like a symptom, once that problem is addressed, memory concerns sometimes go away completely.
Examples of these kinds of non-dementia health problems include sleep apnea, depression, vitamin deficiencies, and thyroid issues – all treatable and important to identify so appropriate care can be received.
Even with signs and symptoms of memory loss, it is important to know that there are so many ways to connect with loved ones over the holidays! Here are some tips to help yourself and others as you gather over the holidays.
• Prepare family members, friends, and guests that they may notice that the loved one with memory loss is different than the last time they saw him/her.
• Try to avoid talking about topics that may frustrate the person, including current events, etc.
• Schedule gatherings or activities earlier in the day when they may feel more alert and less tired.
• Stick to your long-standing traditions – including music, family recipes and foods, and usual family festivities like watching movies, looking through old Christmas pictures or reminiscing
over old holiday keepsakes.
• Try to do things together – avoid the pressure of giving someone with memory loss a task to complete by themselves (i.e. setting the table, mixing foods, etc).
CONCLUSION
The holidays provide a great opportunity for families to check on loved ones they don’t get to see throughout the year. During the holidays watch for these six signs of memory loss: confusion and forgetfulness, excessive clutter and hoarding, poor hygiene, wearing inappropriate or soiled clothing, personality or mood changes, and unusual sleep patterns. If you notice any of these signs or symptoms, the first step is to schedule a free memory screening appointment. This can be done at Synexus by calling (352) 661-7231 or by calling one of our Senior Living Advisors at (352) 766-1050. We can help you find the resources you need to verify if, in fact, your loved one is having memory-related issues. Our services are completely free to seniors and families.
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