November is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month and it’s an ideal time to learn more about the disease as well as dementia, the name we give to the range of symptoms related to memory loss and decline in cognitive skills that affect a person’s ability to function. Many cases of dementia are due to Alzheimer’s disease, but there are other conditions that can contribute. And no matter the cause, getting a proper diagnosis offers the benefits of early treatment.
Here’s a scenario we can all relate to: you walk into a room and forget why you entered. “What was it,” you ask yourself, “that I was looking for?” The fact is, forgetting a phone number, the name of a movie, or even why you walked into a room are often completely ordinary parts of life at any age. But when you’re 65, they may prompt you to wonder if there is cause for concern.
The good news is, occasional memory lapses such as these are common and generally not a cause for concern:
However, when forgetfulness begins to affect daily functioning, employment performance, or safety, there may be more going on. The following are cognitive lapses that are not a normal part of aging. And while these seem minor, remember that dementia is progressive. Recognizing early signs is a vital part of managing or treating symptoms.
Signs of Mild Cognitive Impairment
However, if you or a loved one has a sudden onset of disorientation or delirium, it’s important to consider a medical condition such as an infection. Urinary track infections, in fact, are a common culprit of sudden memory loss and hallucination in older adults. A simple test can detect such an issue and medication can clear the infection in most cases.
As you probably know from conversations with friends and family, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are often difficult to talk about. In my experience, the earlier families can develop an understanding of the conditions and discuss ways of supporting their loved ones, the better able they are cope as a family and utilize the range of options and expertize available.
The Alzheimer’s Association has a wealth of useful information. And locally, we are fortunate to have an institution such as the Penn Memory Center, which can evaluate, diagnose and offer treatment for those with dementia and memory loss. With November being the start of the holiday season, make the most of your time together as a family. It’s a time not only to create new memories, but to appreciate the ones we have.
About Theia Senior Solutions & Darlene Spagnola
Darlene is Director of Client Coordination for Theia Senior Solutions, a high-touch concierge eldercare management advisor and a single point of contact for the busy adult child or spouse managing the planning or the care of an aging loved one.
Theia’s platinum-level concierge service allows families to delegate eldercare management to a trusted, empathetic and experienced advisor. Client families also enjoy a HIPAA-compliant, secure emergency response system that enables cloud and hard-copy storage of important medical, insurance, and legal documents as well as 24/7 patient advocacy. Theia is operational in the Tri-State and Philadelphia areas and is creating additional regional centers of excellence in Florida and Boston.
Darlene brings more than 20 years of geriatric experience to her work with Theia, and has a personal connection the challenges families face. Caring for her own mother late in her life profoundly influenced her commitment to eldercare.
Have questions about Theia or for Darlene? We invite you to learn more or give us a call: website: Theia Senior Solutions Phone: 844-843-4200
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