Memory Loss in Older Adults: When to Seek Help

Misplacing car keys, forgetting the name of the person you recently talked to, or struggling to remember the name of the TV show you watched last night—it’s common to forget things at times. 

Memory loss can be common as we age. But there’s a difference, however, between the typical memory loss in older adults and the forgetfulness associated with health conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. 

If you think you’re experiencing memory loss, a visit to your trusted healthcare professional would greatly help. 

Normal Age-Related Memory Changes

Typical age-related memory loss in older adults is common and usually manifests as mild forgetfulness that does not significantly disrupt daily life. We may occasionally forget names or misplace items like glasses, but these lapses are usually temporary and easily resolved. 

Also, as we age, we may also experience slower cognitive processing, requiring more time to learn new information or recall details. This slowing down can lead to a greater reliance on cues, such as lists or reminders, to help manage tasks and appointments. 

Importantly, these changes do not impede our ability to live independently or maintain social connections; these characteristics distinguish normal age-related memory changes from more severe cognitive impairments associated with health issues. 

Signs You Should Seek Help

Memory loss in older adults can be concerning, especially when it begins to interfere with daily activities. Recognising the signs that warrant medical attention is crucial for early diagnosis and treatment. 

Here are the key indicators that suggest it may be time to seek help:

• Regularly forgetting recent information or important dates. 
• Struggling to complete tasks that were once routine, such as following a recipe or managing finances. 
• Asking the same questions repeatedly or forgetting conversations shortly after they occur.
• Getting lost in familiar places or having trouble following directions.

Memory Loss Test: What to Expect in Your Appointment

When attending a diagnostic appointment for memory loss in seniors, it is essential to understand what to expect throughout the process. The evaluation typically involves multiple components and may require several visits to achieve an accurate diagnosis. 

Interview

The clinician will conduct a detailed interview to gather information about your memory concerns, medical history, and daily functioning. Expect questions about your memory difficulties, family life, and any changes in behaviour or mood.

Cognitive testing

You will undergo various cognitive tests designed to assess different aspects of memory and thinking abilities. These tests may include recalling lists of words, answering questions about general knowledge, and other tasks that evaluate memory function.

Neurological testing

A physical examination may follow the cognitive assessment to check for neurological issues that could contribute to memory loss. This might include reflex tests and sensory assessments. 

Depending on initial results, additional tests such as blood work or brain imaging might be ordered to rule out conditions like dementia or other neurological disorders. If a diagnosis is made, you will receive a summary of findings along with recommendations for treatment or referrals to specialists if necessary. This plan may involve medication or therapy options tailored to your specific needs. 

Getting Early Memory Screenings

Memory screenings can help identify not just dementia but also other treatable conditions that may cause cognitive impairment, such as vitamin deficiencies, depression, or medication side effects. By determining the underlying cause, appropriate treatments can often be initiated. 

Moreover, the fear of memory loss being synonymous with dementia can lead to anxiety. An early screening can provide clarity, potentially ruling out serious conditions and alleviating fears about memory issues being irreversible.