Identifying the Problem

In the daily grind, we all misplace things once in a while.

This may be experienced more often as we grow older and may be regarded as a normal part of the aging process. Some old people may have mild or no memory impairment at all, but most of them will have forgetfulness that starts affecting their day to day life. This may include forgetting to shut doors, switching off the stove, or even forgetting to pay utilities and other bills, all of which are very dangerous.

With age, the memory type that suffers the most is the short-term memory which is the ability to remember things from the recent past. This may include remembering planning, organizing, or even executing current events or activities. Even in advanced cases of Alzheimer’s disease, some of the memories from early childhood or even young adulthood are often intact, therefore when the concern is about a possible decrease, it is necessary to test for short-term memory recall.

While people display the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, for several years there might be a shift in the balance of contributions to daily responsibilities with spouses and other family members gradually taking over duties or responsibilities that the person used to do (for instance, cooking or making sure the bills are paid). It becomes essential to seek evaluation diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or other related memory impairment when it becomes apparent that such a person cannot perform these routines.

There are quite a number of people who have memory gaps and yet manage to take care of their finances and household matters without a hitch. It is always better to get someone assessed if there are worries about their memory, but it is likely that the memory loss in this group is mild and age-related. It can be stated that for many older people who are in good health, memory can be said to be stable over the years. While these people have relatively good memory, they tend to take a long time to remember things, for instance, ‘I know her name, it’s on the tip of my tongue’.

People are often in confusional states but don’t consider this strange because it’s not permanent. ‘Delirium’ is not the same as most people think in terms of mental illness, instead it is defined as drifting into stupor in a matter of days. Infections after a heart attack, pneumonia, also dehydration, urinary tract infection or drug side effects can trigger this state. It can be noted that when the delirium phase strikes the person, it becomes difficult for people to use their attention effectively. This makes it impossible for them to have an orderly conversation. Some aged people suffering from a delirious state tend to be very drowsy and rather confused.

Delirium can occur in patients with poor memory regardless of their age. This is why seeing a psychiatric doctor for an evaluation is vital. Alerting the healthcare provider is a must.

The person may be less confused or disoriented once the physical problem is corrected but will not improve regarding memory problems attributable to dementia which is always the case.

Memory problems can arise from other than just Alzheimer’s disease.

These conditions include stroke (both large and small), Parkinson’s disease, insulin resistance, and depression, among others. There is a need to scrutinize the class of drugs, both prescription and herbal drugs, as potential memory problems may arise from them.

Some of these conditions are amenable or treatable to improve or at least do not worsen the condition. This is why aged individuals showing memory disturbances coupled with other diseases such as sudden weight changes, loss of appetite, incontinence, unstable walking patterns, or other unfamiliar physical complaints should be evaluated by a physician.

What kinds of memory changes are common as people get older more specifically the elderly?

Memory changes that occur in the elderly as a result of age-related changes do not always signify any severe memory deficits. For example: People may misplace names or appointments, but usually remember them later on.

here and there notes the absence of the accuracy when balancing the checkbook.

now and then has to get help in a sitting room when trying to tape a theatre, adjust, say, the settings on a microwave.

The day of the week I am having a little trouble with, but in a minute, I will sort it out.

From time to time failing to come up with the right word.

On occasions making the wrong decision.

Sometimes being overwhelmed with family, work or social obligations

Being upset if the routine is disrupted and then having very rigid ways of working.

Your aim is to:

Watch out for signs of deficits in high-levels of functioning, particularly of relating to the environment.

Note that variations in memory can also be observed as deficiencies in the everyday routines of the person such as in the management of their time, the performance of tasks and the making of decisions.

Be certain that a physician or a nurse systematically considered altered memory, its etiology and management.

Make an extensive record of all medicines that the old person has been using both prescription and herbal. This will help the physician or the nurse to conclude whether they could be the reason for the problem.

It has to be understood that there are prospects of someone suffering from delirium among the demented population.

Find different new approaches for dealing with emotional burden, stress and tension caused by loss of memory.