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As the human mind ages, it naturally becomes less sharp and less capable of retaining all the information it receives. Memory loss, both short-term and long-term, is an expected part of the aging process, and steps like obtaining geriatric care in Carlsbad are often needed to assist a senior with a variety of different activities.
Sometimes, however, the loss of memory is a warning sign of the onset of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, signaling a future need for more constant and involved geriatric care in Carlsbad. It is important for adult children and other family members of seniors to keep an eye out for these warning signs, but also to avoid jumping to the conclusion that an instance of normal memory loss is more serious than it actually is.
Normal Decay of Memory
Everyone, at some time or another, has had the experience of their mind “going blank”—suddenly a name, phone number, or address with which you are familiar cannot be recalled. With age, most people experience this occurrence more frequently, finding it necessary to write down more of the things that they used to just commit to memory. With the help of loved ones and the services of geriatric care, in Carlsbad most elderly people are well able to cope with normal memory loss, and it only constitutes a minor interruption to their day to day life.
Memory Problems Signaling Alzheimer’s Disease Or Dementia
One of the early warning signs of both Alzheimer’s disease and dementia is an unexpected, uncharacteristic pattern of memory failure. Unlike normal memory “slips,” this failure is usually in connection with long-term memory, with the senior not only forgetting what a close friend’s name is, but forgetting knowing the person altogether. Misplacing a frequently used key to the house is normal, but looking at the key and forgetting what it is used for is a more serious matter. Dementia often causes an elderly individual to make incorrect conclusions about surrounding events, people, or objects, showing a breakdown of the mind’s ability to accurately interpret information.
Memory loss is frustrating for a senior, and it is concerning and sometimes frightening to family members and close friends. With the watchful help of geriatric care in Carlsbad and a basic knowledge of the difference between normal and abnormal memory loss, you can make sure that the senior you love has adequate care.
Originally posted 2011-10-04 07:18:21.