As we get older, we might not be as sharp in the mind as we once were. While this is a normal part of aging, memory loss, like dementia and Alzheimer’s, is also common for older adults. Before making conclusions, you’ll want to research what you or your loved one may be experiencing. Here is some helpful information from Life Enriching Communities (LEC) to distinguish forgetfulness from memory problems.
Forgetfulness is when you occasionally have a mishap in memory, like difficulty finding the right word or briefly misplacing your keys. Memory loss is chronic forgetfulness where the person is consistently getting confused, lost, misplacing items, forgetting important dates, or struggling to converse. We often have a good understanding of a severe form of memory loss, but it can be difficult to grasp forgetfulness, which can appear in multiple ways, such as:
- Absentmindedness – Oftentimes, when we aren’t paying enough attention, we’ll lose sight of very small and simple things, like where we left our phone or if we locked the door.
- Biased Understandings and Suggestibility – Our biases, beliefs, knowledge, and personality can alter our perception of reality based on how we personally see things, which can then alter how we remember things. We can be susceptible to suggestive thoughts and memories that others have placed before us, affecting the information we recall, whether or not it’s what we really experienced.
- Memory Blocks – We’ve all experienced the inability to answer a question even though it’s right on the tip of our tongue. It can grow more difficult to retrieve these blocked memories as we get older, like recalling someone’s name you know.
- Misattribution – This is when you remember a detail or two inaccurately, even though the rest of the memory is correct. It’s not because you’re a liar; it’s due to the fact that our memories age with us. As we store more information over the years, there’s bound to be a crossover between personal memory and something you read or heard.
- Transience – If we aren’t recalling a certain piece of information frequently or immediately after acquiring it, our brain is likely to empty some of the details. It’s ultimately helpful for us to not remember absolutely everything, or else our minds would be overwhelmed with information. But it can still make things challenging when recalling a particular experience.
When someone experiences normal forgetfulness, you won’t instinctively worry about them and their ability to continue living on their own. With memory loss, however, the consistent concerning behaviors will leave you wondering if they can go on living fully independently and safely. Forgetting to take important medication, tending to daily tasks, making regular payments, and taking care of yourself with meals and personal hygiene are major causes for concern.
If you’re interested in learning more about the differences in memory loss and what next steps should be, read our eBook, Everything You Need to Know for Your Memory Support Journey.
At LEC, we are supporters of everyone aging well with as much independence as possible, which is why we offer Memory Support. Plus, there are opportunities abound for socializing, staying active, and engaging in various programs based on needs and interest, all shown to improve your memory.
Knowing whether or not it’s the right time for memory care can be overwhelming and difficult. Having a starting point to learn more about your options with individualized information based on your needs can help. Our Wesley Ridge community currently offers a 4–5-minute survey powered by Roobrik supports older adults, caregivers, and families in thinking through care and living decisions with compassion, insight, and personalized recommendations for next steps. Take the assessment here.
Contact us today to learn more about LEC and the programs we offer, and feel free to learn on your own with resources we’ve created for those interested in our services.