Everyone forgets something now and then. How many of us have left the house to go someplace and then remember we forgot to bring something along or wondered if we unplugged the iron or what time a meeting we scheduled weeks ago is suppose to start? Sometimes we simply have too much information going in and out of our head to properly process it or we don’t take the time to really listen and file it away while multi-tasking – regardless of whether we are a senior or not which is why we all have the so called “senior moment”.
I am often asked how memory loss for those with Alzheimer’s Disease is different than other types of memory loss. One of the most common answers to this is that Alzheimer’s Disease impacts a senior’s decision-making ability ongoing and includes confusion of “person, place or thing”. Instead of just forgetting what time a meeting is scheduled for, they might also forget where the meeting is to be held and who is attending or they might confuse their sister for their mother. Confusion comes into the picture along with the memory loss.
PBS has provided informative programming on Alzheimer’s Disease and their website provides a chart showing what part of the brain impacts the various behaviors experienced by those with Alzheimer’s disease and makes it a little easier to understand how this disease differs from other types of memory loss.
Many times a senior may not have their memory loss properly diagnosed. Because there are a few drugs which can slow the progression of memory loss and services available to help both a senior and their family members with the emotional aspect of dealing with memory loss, definitely make sure you visit a geriatric doctor who can provide a proper diagnosis. Caregivers can provide better care if they are informed on the type of memory loss the senior has been diagnosed with as there are many tools available for exercising the mind and slowing the progression of memory loss. It has also been shown that meditation – simply emptying the mind – can be very beneficial for those with memory loss, as well as relaxing.
