Memory Loss in the Elderly – How Do I Know If It’s Normal Forgetfulness or Dementia?

Memory loss is common as people age, but when should you be concerned? It can be difficult to determine whether it’s normal age-related forgetfulness or an early sign of dementia. Here, we’ll explore the key differences and what to look out for.

Normal Forgetfulness in Aging – A Natural Part of Growing Older

Many older adults notice their memory isn’t as sharp as it used to be. This is a natural part of aging and often includes:

• Forgetting names but remembering them later
• Misplacing items occasionally but finding them after searching
• Momentarily forgetting tasks but recalling them later
• Having difficulty multitasking but still managing daily life

This type of forgetfulness is not a cause for concern as long as the person can still function independently and remember important aspects of their life.

Signs It Might Be Dementia

When memory problems begin to disrupt daily life, they could indicate something more serious than normal aging. Warning signs include:

• Forgetting newly learned information and not recalling it later
• Asking the same questions repeatedly, unaware they’ve already received an answer
• Misplacing objects in unusual places, like putting keys in the refrigerator
• Having difficulty following conversations or understanding instructions
• Getting lost in familiar places or forgetting how to get home
• Changes in behavior, such as irritability, suspicion, or withdrawal

These symptoms can be early signs of dementia and should not be ignored.

How to Tell If It’s Normal Forgetfulness or Something More?

If you or a loved one are experiencing increasing memory issues, try the following:

• Observe changes over time – Is memory declining steadily? Are other cognitive abilities also affected?
• Do simple memory tests – Can the person recall what they did yesterday? Do they remember important events?
• Ask a close family member for their perspective – Loved ones often notice memory changes before the individual does.
• Keep a journal of forgetfulness – Writing down specific incidents can help a doctor evaluate the situation.

When Should You Seek Medical Help?

If memory problems interfere with daily life, worsen over time, or are accompanied by behavioral changes, it’s time to see a doctor. Early evaluation can determine whether the cause is treatable or if it’s the beginning of a dementia-related condition.

Acting early can make a big difference – both for the affected individual and their loved ones.

Sensorem’s personal alarm has GPS positioning, medication reminders and automatic fall alarm

Sensorem’s personal alarm is an example of a technical aid specially developed for people with dementia. The personal alarm works outdoors and has built-in GPS positioning so that relatives can see the user’s position on a map in the Sensorem app. Relatives are automatically called by the personal alarm (two-way communication) if the user leaves a predetermined geographical area. The personal alarm also has medication reminders, which means that the watch emits a sound and tells the user that it is time to take their medication. The personal alarm can also alert automatically in the event of a fall with the built-in fall sensor.