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As we age, many things change in our lives. Our hair turns grey, new-found body aches occur, and occasionally we start to forget things. These normal instances aren’t usually a cause for concern, but what happens when you notice a family member is starting to forget things consistently?
It often begins with subtle signs, such as minor forgetfulness, which could easily be dismissed as normal aging. However, when these incidents become more frequent and impact daily life, they may signal underlying conditions like dementia or Alzheimer’s. Understanding the signs of memory loss and learning how to support your loved one through this journey can make a significant difference in both your lives.
Is short-term memory loss a sign of dementia? The short answer is yes. While occasional forgetfulness is part of life, consistent patterns of memory loss, especially short-term memory loss, are early signs of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease (especially if the person is in their 60s+). These signs might manifest as repetitive conversations, misplacing items frequently, or forgetting recent events and appointments.
Recognizing these symptoms early on can be crucial in getting your loved one the care and support they need. Forgetfulness, particularly when it becomes a consistent pattern, can be distressing not only for the individual experiencing it but also for their loved ones. Understanding the possible reasons behind this forgetfulness is the first step towards providing the right support and seeking appropriate care.
While some forgetfulness is normal as we age, many signs could mean there is something much more serious to address. Here are some different aspects to recognize:
Forgetfulness can stem from various causes, ranging from infections (like a urinary tract infection) to cognitive impairments (like vascular or Alzheimer’s dementia). You don´t have to be a doctor to observe patterns and contexts in which these memory issues occur. If forgetfulness is impairing someone’s daily ability to function, there might be an underlying health concern to address.
Mental health is a significant factor in cognitive function. High levels of stress, anxiety, and episodes of depression can lead to forgetfulness. In these cases, the memory issues are often temporary and improve with the management of the underlying condition.
A lack of quality sleep can severely impact memory and cognitive abilities. There are various reasons why someone could be sleep deprived in our busy daily lives but its role in brain health cannot be overstated. Ensuring your loved one gets adequate rest is a vital step in addressing forgetfulness.
Nutrition plays a critical role in cognitive function. Deficiencies in vitamins and minerals, particularly B12, can lead to memory problems.
Certain medications can impact memory as a side effect. It’s important to review any current medications with a healthcare professional to identify potential causes of memory issues.
While many causes of forgetfulness are reversible or manageable, consistent and worsening memory loss could indicate the onset of cognitive impairment or dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. Early signs include difficulty in performing familiar tasks, confusion with time or place, and changes in mood or behavior.
If your family member’s forgetfulness is becoming a concern, consider the following actions:
If your loved one receives a diagnosis of memory loss (such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease), the initial wave of emotions can be overwhelming for both you and your family. It’s a time filled with uncertainty, fear, and often, a sense of loss.
Just keep in mind that knowledge is power. Learning as much as you can about dementia or Alzheimer’s will help you understand what your loved one is going through and what the future may hold. You will be able to make informed decisions about care, therapies, and everyday management.
You aren’t alone in dealing with this diagnosis and there are plenty of resources at your disposal. Additionally, it would be beneficial to encourage interactions with family and friends and explore local support groups that can provide social opportunities and additional support for both of you.
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One of those outlets/resources is creative therapies. Here at Resilia, we offer many creative therapies programs and products that are designed with life-limiting illnesses like memory loss and dementia in mind. Resilia’s approach involves intertwining visual art with therapeutic interventions, and best practices in psychology, and neuroscience. Studies have shown that participation in creative therapies can enhance cognitive functions, improve mood, and even slow down the progression of memory-related disorders.
Here’s how creative therapies can make a difference:
Integrating creative therapies into the care plan for your loved one can be a powerful tool in improving their quality of life. Whether it’s through organized classes or informal home-based projects, the key is to engage the person in learning new things, socializing, and expressing themselves so they can exercise their brain plasticity and expand their cognitive reserve. By reaching out to Resilia, you can start experiencing the transformative power of creative therapies.
Remember, you’re not alone—countless resources and communities are available to support you and your loved one every step of the way. Don’t wait, contact Resilia today!
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