Have you or an older loved one in Carroll, IA, been losing things occasionally? If so, you're not alone. An AOL.com article cited data from a survey saying Americans lose an average of five things monthly.
While a typical occurrence, older adults may feel more anxious about misplacing things and worry that it's one of the early signs of dementia. After all, memory loss in aging is among the most "infamous" characteristics of this brain disease.
So, should losing things and forgetting where you've put them make you feel concerned?
Please read on, as the caring team at Addington Place of Carroll, our assisted living and memory care community in Carroll, IA, will answer that and other crucial questions in this guide.
If you or an aging loved one has only been losing things occasionally (i.e., sometimes but not often), then no, please don't worry and think it's a case or type of dementia. Misplacing items occasionally is only a sign of mild forgetfulness, a normal part of aging.
Mild forgetfulness vs. memory decline in dementia differs in that, with the former, a person typically remembers where they put the things they lost or misplaced. By contrast, the memory problems associated with the latter become more advanced and severe to the point that they already impair cognitive function and interfere with daily life.
Mild and occasional forgetfulness is normal with aging because the brain changes as people age. For instance, some brain regions involved in learning and memory, like the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, may experience some shrinkage. As a result, their functions may also slightly decline; for example, recalling things may take longer.
Seniors and their loved ones should feel more concerned when losing things becomes more frequent and other symptoms occur. Here are some indications that it may be time to consider transitioning to a memory care community in Carroll, IA.
One of the hallmark symptoms of Alzheimer's disease (AD), particularly at its initial and early stage, is difficulty remembering recently learned information. AD is the most common type of dementia in the United States. According to the Alzheimer's Association, a leading non-profit organization focused on AD care, research, and support, almost seven million Americans have it.
When AD or other dementias result in forgetting recently learned information, seniors may be unable to remember where they last put their now-lost items. When this happens repeatedly, it can become disruptive, especially if the things they lose are crucial, such as prescription medications. Moreover, the memory loss they may experience may extend to:
The National Institute on Aging says that losing things often and not finding them are signs of dementia.
One reason people with dementia can misplace items and be unable to find them is that this brain disorder diminishes the brain's ability to let someone retrace their steps. It can also affect someone's reasoning and cause them to put their stuff in unusual locations, making it even more challenging to find them later.
Dementia may also cause changes in a person's mood, personality, and cognition. Some of the most common include but are not limited to:
All those changes can lead to an older adult withdrawing from social activities.
Seniors with cognitive decline, whether mild or moderate, should consider seeking specialized memory care. However, it is just as crucial for older adults without dementia to do everything they can to protect themselves from this brain condition. While there's no guaranteed way to prevent it, healthy habits can reduce one's odds of developing it.
Here are some practical cognitive health tips for seniors in Carroll, IA.
Regular exercise is vital to maintaining optimal overall well-being, including brain health. The U.S. CDC says that physical activity can help reduce the risk of cognitive decline and that adults should aim to get:
At Addington Place of Carroll, our senior living community in Carroll, IA, you can choose from many daily physical activities and events. We're also very close to green spaces where seniors can enjoy even more physical activity, socialization, and nature exposure, such as:
Keeping the brain working (i.e., using it as often as possible) can help maintain optimal cognitive function. To achieve this goal, Carroll seniors can:
Maintaining connections with family and friends and building new ones can help improve mental stimulation and emotional well-being. At Addington Place of Carroll, our assisted living and memory care community in Carroll, IA, you'll find many like-minded seniors and opportunities to make new friends.
Losing things isn't a problem for older adults, provided it only happens occasionally. However, it's best for seniors to transition to a memory care community like Addington Place of Carroll if it occurs often and with other symptoms (e.g., disruptive memory loss, behavioral changes, and cognitive decline).
In our warm and loving memory care community in Carroll, IA, residents enjoy comprehensive specialized services meticulously designed to enhance their well-being, sense of belonging, and enjoyment of life. Our team comprises expert associates with extensive training and experience in dementia and cognitive problems, allowing them to provide our residents with high-quality care and respect 24 hours a day.
Learn more about our community by calling us today and scheduling a visit!