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Everyone experiences brief memory lapses at times. It’s not uncommon for people to forget things or have occasional bouts of absent-mindedness. In fact, nearly a quarter of Americans lose important items on a monthly basis, and about 20 percent experience this issue almost every day.
At the same time, a significant portion of people as young as their 20s and 30s have trouble remembering people’s names. Furthermore, who among us hasn’t inadvertently left toast under the broiler for too long, only to rescue its charred remains just before they burst into flames? Certain levels of forgetfulness are prominent among people of all ages and genders.
However, memory issues tend to increase with age. Many people notice that aging loved ones start forgetting things more often or their mental faculties seem to slow down over time. When do those problems potentially become dangerous, though? When is it time to start thinking about memory care for seniors? This isn’t a simple question to hash out, and the answer isn’t necessarily the same for everyone. Take a closer look at different types of memory problems and when they should truly be cause for concern.
Memory issues can come from many sources. As noted earlier, they’re not always age-related, and they can affect anyone. Not all of them are reasons to start considering medications or planning for assisted living. Some are simply a natural part of life and the aging process. However, certain forms and extents of memory loss can certainly be a reason to look into extra support for seniors.
Distractions are common causes of memory loss. They can easily cause people to struggle to retain important details or lead people to forget things. On top of that, disruptions alter the way we process incoming information and react to various situations. It’s no secret that distractions abound these days.
Smartphones are a prime example. Imagine you’re forging through the supermarket or another location, trying to keep numerous details straight in your mind. Multiple people are walking by and having audible conversations on their phones. Several others are either playing videos with their volumes turned up or allowing their children to do so. To make matters even more complicated, your phone rings.
With all that going on, you’re bound to lose a few details or even forget some of the errands you’re supposed to take care of. That’s only one type of distraction lurking in the modern world. It’s no wonder memory and attention issues are on the rise even among younger people. As we age, our brains can’t deal with those distractions as well as they once did. Distractions alone won’t bring about the need for memory care services, but they can contribute to it.
Information overload can also lead to memory problems based on recent reports from the medical sector. As human beings, we crave new information and strive to learn new things. Though our brains are designed to take in and retain ample information, they can only hold so much. They’re a bit like buckets collecting a few drops of water at a time. Eventually, when a bucket reaches maximum capacity, new incoming drops of water are going to push out the old ones.
As alluded to, age can cause a loss of memory and cognitive abilities. Several aging factors may ultimately lead to the need for senior living options. Those include an unavoidable decline in the body’s ability to repair existing brain cells and produce healthy new ones. Circulatory issues contribute to this problem as well. Additionally, the very area of the brain tasked with memory deteriorates over time. Some people are more vulnerable to these factors than others.
Dementia is another leading cause of memory loss and cognitive impairment. It’s a chronic and progressive condition that affects people’s ability to process and recall information. It starts out slowly, resembling typical forgetfulness.
Over time, though, it evolves into far more serious issues, such as getting lost even in familiar places and being unable to recognize close friends and relatives. Those who suffer from dementia eventually lose the ability to carry out basic activities, like cooking, bathing, and dressing. Dementia care is essential for people who are living with this condition.
Memory issues are common, and they’re growing more prominent. Not all of them are signs that a loved one may need memory support. If your loved one’s memory loss and declining cognitive abilities are interfering with his or her safety and daily activities, though, it may be time to start thinking about getting extra help.
Pioneer Place is a senior living community that offers a wide range of services for our residents. We offer numerous amenities, including private and shared living areas, activities, social opportunities, and around-the-clock care. We provide support for mobility issues, dementia, and many other conditions as well.