Is It Aging or Signs of Dementia: What You Need to Know
As we age, many of us experience minor forgetfulness, but when these lapses become more frequent or interfere with daily life, they may be early signs of dementia. Misplacing keys, forgetting why we walked into a room, or struggling to recall names are often normal, especially in our 70s and 80s. However, persistent cognitive decline—such as confusion, difficulty concentrating or trouble remembering important information—could indicate something more serious.
What Is Dementia?
Memory loss is a common symptom of dementia, but it’s far from the only one. Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, affects one in ten people over the age of 65. Alzheimer’s causes not only memory loss but also confusion, difficulty thinking clearly, language problems, and personality changes.
If you or someone you know is experiencing frequent memory loss—beyond simply wondering where your glasses are—it’s time to consult a doctor. While memory issues may be caused by a variety of factors, including vitamin deficiencies or sleep disorders, they could also be an early sign of dementia.
Signs of Dementia
Dementia symptoms extend beyond forgetfulness. To receive a diagnosis, an individual must demonstrate at least two of the following signs:
- Memory Problems That Affect Daily Life: If your loved one is consistently forgetting important dates, familiar routes, or names of close friends, it may signal the onset of dementia.
- Difficulty with Planning and Problem-Solving: Challenges with following a recipe or managing finances, such as forgetting to pay bills, could be a sign of cognitive decline. While occasional mistakes happen, frequent errors may be cause for concern.
- Problems Finding the Right Words: People in the early stages of dementia may substitute words with something similar or struggle to continue a conversation. They may also find it difficult to follow discussions, especially in noisy environments.
- Confusion About Time and Place: Losing track of time or forgetting where they are and how they got there are common signs of dementia.
- Poor Judgment: Unexpected spending, neglecting personal hygiene, or difficulty caring for pets can all be indicators of dementia affecting cognitive function.
- Increasing Clumsiness: Dementia may impact spatial awareness and coordination, leading to more frequent falls or driving accidents.
- Misplacing Things in Unusual Places: While forgetting where you placed your keys or phone is normal, someone with dementia might misplace items in odd locations, such as finding their phone in the refrigerator.
- Mood Changes: Dementia can cause rapid mood swings, shifting from sadness to anger to fear. People may also become easily irritated, even when there is no clear reason.
- Loss of Interest and Initiative: A person with dementia may lose interest in activities they once enjoyed or require prompting to engage in social or family events.
- Changes in Personality: Dementia can result in significant personality changes. For instance, someone who was once reserved may become uninhibited, suspicious, or overly angry.
To Put Your Mind at Ease, See Your Doctor
If you or a loved one are showing any signs of dementia, it’s important to consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis. Keep track of symptoms, changes in medication, and other health factors to share with your doctor.
An early diagnosis can help you manage symptoms and, in some cases, slow the progression of the disease. While this news can be overwhelming, it can also provide clarity, allowing you to make plans and seek the right support.
Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle to Reduce Your Risk of Dementia
While dementia affects millions, a healthy lifestyle—including regular exercise, a balanced diet, social engagement, and mental stimulation—can help reduce your risk.
At Meadow Ridge, we support healthy aging with a holistic wellness approach that encompasses physical, intellectual, and emotional well-being. Our focus on well-being is designed to help residents maintain their independence and cognitive function for as long as possible.
Specialized Memory Care at Meadow Ridge
In response to the growing need for dementia care, Meadow Ridge created its Mind & Memory Care neighborhood—an environment designed to provide safe, compassionate care tailored to the unique needs of individuals with dementia. This specialized program ensures that residents receive the highest level of attention and support in a nurturing, engaging environment.
To Reduce Your Risk of Dementia, Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
One sure way to reduce your risk of dementia is to make healthy lifestyle choices, including regular exercise, a healthy diet, social engagement and intellectual stimulation. At Meadow Ridge, we support healthy living with a holistic approach to wellness.