Pinga
Normal aging, or something else
Posted on: 12/07/2008 09:07
If you are talking to someone, and they say, "i can't find the phone" and they talk about looking for it, and then..they go "oh...wait..i'm talking on it"...should you be concerned?
What about if they do it more than once...ie two phone calls in approx 2 weeks, the same action happens...state they are looking for a phone, then realize, they are talking on it.
Does it make a difference if I tell you they are over 80?
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busymom
Hi Pinga, I feel your
Posted on: 12/07/2008 10:34
Hi Pinga,
I feel your concern. It is hard to witness these changes in people we care about.
Now, to answer your question....yes you should be concerned. If they can't remember that they are talking on the phone, then they probably can't remember that they turned on the kettle, or whether they took their pills (given that they are over eighty I think it is safe to assume they take pills daily). Perhaps you should suggest a checkup at the doctor, and someone in the family could go with them. Doctors are pretty good at picking these things up.
Thinking of you....
Beloved
Greetings! That would be of
Posted on: 12/07/2008 10:40
Greetings!
That would be of concern to me . . . it is a little bit different than not being able to find the car keys, or even looking for your glasses when they are on your head. It would not hurt to suggest that this person be checked by a doctor.
Several weeks ago I saw a pamphlet that talked about the difference between ordinary forgetfulness and when one should be concerned. Unfortunately I forget (yikes!) who published it . . . perhaps you could see if someone in your area has something like this.
Hope, peace, joy, love . . .
BethanyK
I agree with busymom and
Posted on: 12/07/2008 17:02
I agree with busymom and Beloved. My grandpa just passed away this year at 90 and was in great health up until the past year or so. He may have been slower at remembering things and telling you where they were but he never forgot things like that. I'd suggest taking them to the doctor and explaining what has been happening.
carolla
No - not usual behaviour in
Posted on: 12/07/2008 17:46
No - not usual behaviour in aging. Good idea to go to see a doc.
If there has been an abrupt onset of the confusion/memory problem in an older person, it is usually an indication that they have an infection somewhere - often urinary tract, maybe pneumonia, maybe some dehydration. Prompt medical attention will resolve the confusion/memory problem.
When the onset is gradual its more likely an indication of some form of dementia. Also a good reason to see a doc, because there are excellent meds now for people with early dementias, which slow the progression.
Another thing to consider - does the person drink? Many elderly people do have substance abuse problems that we may forget to ask about or consider as part of the picture.
Pinga
wow, that is interesting
Posted on: 12/07/2008 18:55
wow, that is interesting carolla.
This person was being treated for an infection...maybe we need to verify that it was cleared or hasn't come back....
thanks everyone for advice.
Tiger Lily
Medications can sometimes
Posted on: 12/07/2008 22:56
Medications can sometimes cause memory problems if they are interacting. This happened to a friend of my mom's and she had all of the signs of dementia until they finally caught on. If this person does see the doc it could also be helpful to have her take along all of her prescriptions medications, over-the-counter drugs, cold medications, herbal remedies etc. Someone might need to go through her home with her to make sure that they find everything that she is taking. Look also for old expired medications.
I hope that the person that you're concerned about is OK. Sending good thoughts your way and hers too.
TL
LBmuskoka
Everyone has given very good
Posted on: 12/09/2008 08:31
Everyone has given very good advice and the thing to remember (no pun intended) is that memory loss is not always a sign of aging and should not be dismissed, nor should the fear of dementia prevent people from seeking medical advice. There is a lot of research out there about this topic and it is pointing to the realization that many things people accepted as an inevitable process of aging can be corrected.
Ironically, stress is considered a cause of memory loss - so worrying about it can actually increase the risk.
LB
We do not remember days, we remember moments. The richness of life lies in memories we have forgotten. Cesare Pavese
Beloved
Greetings! Information from
Posted on: 12/09/2008 11:08
Greetings!
Information from a Reader's Digest (November 2008) article I read yesterday . . .
"When should I be concerned about Memory Lapse"? (This information is from the Alzheimer Society of Canada which publishes a list of symptoms that might signal more serious memory problems at www.alzheimer.ca and click on Common Questions)
You should be concerned when:
It also states that some memory changes can be caused by medical problems, such as low thyroid function, so it is important to report your concenrs to your doctor promptly.
Hope, peace, joy, love . . . .
lastpointe
Normal aging doesn't include
Posted on: 12/09/2008 17:16
Normal aging doesn't include memory loss. Just think about those spry 85 year old you know.
My mom gets much worse ( altzeimers) when she has a bladdre infection. She also gets worse if she takes Tylenol 3's or anything like that for pain.
Ask for a referral to a Gerantologist and get her tested. they will also come a do a home visit. Kettles, pots on stoves, bath tubs, diet, general cleaning..... all are risky things for the person with memory loss.
There are some good meds to assist with maintaining cognition and lots of aides you can do like lists.
Even just remembering who to call helps with a big list beside the phone.