Navigating the Mind: How to Distinguish Normal Side Effects of Aging from Signs of Dementia
As we grow older, cognitive changes are inevitable. Distinguishing “normal” cognitive changes from something more concerning isn’t always easy. However, it is crucial to stay informed and recognize warning signs of dementia in loved ones. Understanding the differences between normal again and signs of dementia is the first step to supporting those difficult life changes.
Normal Cognitive Changes with Aging
Aging has a significant impact on our bodies and minds. Recognizing cognitive changes that may be considered normal can help prevent unnecessary worry. The following cognitive changes are typically regarded as normal signs of aging:
- Slower Processing Speed: A noticeable impact of aging on our brain’s processing speed is considered very normal. This impact could be a slowed ability to absorb new information, learn new skills, or adapt to changes. While this may be inconvenient, this should not prevent seniors from performing their usual tasks effectively in normal circumstances.
- Occasional Memory Lapses: It is not uncommon to have a hard time remembering birthdays, names, or where you put the remote. As long as these memory lapses are minimal and do not severely impact daily life, they’re probably within the normal range of cognitive decline with aging.
- Reduced Multitasking Ability: Juggling multiple tasks at once may become more difficult with age. It is not abnormal to perform best when managing one task at a time.
- Difficulty Recalling Specific Words: Having the right words to say at “the tip of the tongue” is not uncommon among aging individuals. While it may be frustrating, this is not typically a cause for concern.
- Increased Need for Repetition: Absorbing information may take more and more repetition with age. Learning new skills may require more time, consistency, reminders, and effort than they once may have.
While these “normal” signs of cognitive decline can be frustrating, they are typically managed easily and do not significantly impair an ability to age independently.
Signs of Dementia: When to Be Concerned
Unlike normal signs of aging, signs of dementia involve severe cognitive impairments that persist over time and have a noticeable impact on daily life. Distinguishing the difference between what is considered normal and what may be a warning sign of dementia is key to getting appropriate care. Here are some identifying signs of dementia:
- Severe Memory Loss: Dementia involves prevalent memory lapses that may be disruptive to daily tasks and interactions. Forgetting something that has just happened, inability to continue a conversation, or repeating questions and phrases are some examples.
- Difficulty with Familiar Tasks: For seniors with dementia, routine tasks may become difficult. Cooking, driving, shopping, and finance management may develop into something that requires assistance.
- Language Problems: Unlike “normal” tip-of-the-tongue situations, language difficulty in individuals with dementia may include pauses in conversation, difficulty following a train of thought, or using incorrect words.
- Disorientation: When struggling with dementia, individuals may become disoriented – even in once-familiar surroundings. Well-known environments may become difficult to navigate.
- Poor Judgment: Impaired judgment is often a sign of dementia. Decision-making skills may be impacted by dementia and lead to inappropriate or bizarre behaviors.
- Changes in Mood and Personality: Becoming agitated, withdrawn, aggressive, and anxious are not uncommon in the realm of dementia. Mood swings may become frequent and difficult to manage.
There are many signs of dementia that can present differently in individuals. Additionally, dementia is a progressive disease that is typically categorized into stages: early, mild, moderate, and severe. In the later stages of dementia, symptoms will be more apparent.
Seeking Medical Advice
Swift collaboration with your loved one’s healthcare team is essential to dementia care and management. Early diagnosis can impact the quality of life for dementia patients and their families. Here’s what you can do:
- Schedule an Appointment: Alerting your loved one’s primary care physician to your concerns can get the ball rolling toward necessary assessments or referrals.
- Comprehensive Evaluation: Your loved one’s provider will likely want to administer cognitive function tests, review medical history, and potentially get some images of the brain before developing a dementia care plan.
- Identify Underlying Conditions: Some underlying conditions cause symptoms that mimic those of dementia. Vitamin deficiencies, depression, and even medications can cause similar symptoms to those of dementia. These conditions may be ruled out before developing a dementia care plan.
How We Can Help
Early intervention and effective dementia management are crucial for fostering the best quality of life for those with dementia. One of the best ways to manage the side effects of dementia is to enlist the help of a dementia care provider. Individuals with dementia may become a danger to themselves without proper supervision, care, and assistance. If you or your loved one are looking for a senior caregiver in the Bay Area to assist with daily activities and provide companionship, reach out today. Knowledgeable in recognizing signs of dementia and experienced in dementia care, our team is ready to serve and make a positive difference in your life.