Is Your Senior Parent Showing Signs of Simply Aging, or Something More? Here are Some Warning Signs of Memory Loss.

By Jamie Shapiro | December 19, 2014 | Comments Off on Is Your Senior Parent Showing Signs of Simply Aging, or Something More? Here are Some Warning Signs of Memory Loss.

Elder Care near Glenview, IL – Analyzing the Effects of Memory Loss

There should be little to no surprise that as we age, we may start to forget things. Even in younger years, appointments, car keys, and credit cards are left in innocuous places. Usually, there is a large gap between being absent minded at times, or even forgetting things because of our age, to showing early signs of dementia or Alzheimer’s. If your senior parent has begun to forget things – small or big – keep reading to learn about warning signs of Alzheimer’s and about how you can help them.

Does My Parent Have Alzheimer’s Disease?

While there are no specific symptoms or tests associated with Alzheimer’s or dementia, reoccurring lapses in memory can be early warning signs. While forgetting car keys or appointments can be commonplace or anyone, forgetting where they live or the way to the store can be a sign that their memory is in serious jeopardy.

While caring for our loved ones and respecting their independence is important, there may be times where we need to evaluate their well-being to ensure they are not suffering from a degenerative memory disease. The following six warning signs could be important indicators a loved one is facing a serious degenerative memory disease rather than simply aging.

Signs of Memory Loss

  1. Appearance – Serious changes in appearance like weight loss or gain, a lack of interest in grooming or keeping up their appearance, and an overall failure to bathe regularly. Alzheimer’s and dementia can seriously inhibit a senior’s memory by confusing them about what day it is, whether they need to bathe, or even what to wear.
  2. House upkeep – Look for old or moldy food in the refrigerator. Notice if things like mail or general household chores like vacuuming and cleaning go undone for a long period of time. A dirty house or old food can also be a serious health concern if it isn’t addressed quickly.
  3. Mood – Any serious fluctuations in a loved one’s mood, specifically anxiety over small things or depression should be considered possible warning signs. Depression should never be considered a normal part of getting older.
  4. Forgetting things – Pay careful attention to see if a loved one starts forgetting things that should be ordinary.
  5. Taking medications correctly – Check prescriptions and dates or medications to make sure they are being taken regularly. Also, see what medications your loved one is taking at certain times to ensure they are correct.
  6. Financial issues – Overdue bills, unpaid mortgage and other financial matters requiring routine payment may be another warning sign. Also, careless spending of money or giving money to strangers could be another problem.

The best thing that you can do for your parent is getting them the help they need. Whether your senior relative has a little or a lot of memory loss, having a professional caregiver from elderly home care will make a positive difference in their life.

If you or an aging loved one are considering elder care in Glenview,  IL, -contact the caring staff at Companion Services of America today at (847) 943-3786.

Our senior care service area includes Northbrook, Highland Park, Deerfield, Glenview, Buffalo Grove, Evanston, Des Plaines, Skokie, Lake Forest, Wilmette and the surrounding areas.

Jamie Shapiro
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