We all get forgetful. But you might worry when you see it in your older relatives. Is that just forgetfulness or a sign of Alzheimer's?

Forgetfulness, in fact, can happen to anyone, regardless of age. It might be nothing to worry about. Forgetfulness is normal and can occur as we age. But some types of forgetfulness deserve our attention because they could be symptoms of dementia.

So when should we worry about forgetfulness? What’s normal forgetfulness? And when is Alzheimer's to blame?

Contents

• Forgetfulness from aging
• What is dementia?
• What’s the difference between forgetfulness and dementia?
• What is Alzheimer's?
• Memory problems form aging
• When is forgetfulness a sign of Alzheimer's?
• What causes forgetfulness?
  • aging
  • diseases that affect memory
  • emotional issues
  • mild cognitive impairment
  • other forms of dementia
• What to do if a relative becomes forgetful?

Forgetfulness from aging

Aging causes various organs of the body to deteriorate, including the brain. As we get older, the brain's performance decreases. We forget, for example, where to put things. It takes longer to figure out where to put stuff. It takes longer to learn new things, such as using a mobile phone or a computer. We go to get something and can’t remember what. We can't find the word we want. We lose things from time to time. All this is normal as we get older.

What is dementia?

Dementia is a brain disease caused by the breakdown of brain tissue. It’s a gradual disease. People with dementia encounter problems with their memory, thinking, decision-making, logic and reasoning, communication, and mood. It often affects daily life. Dementia covers a broad set of symptoms. But it’s not just a memory disorder. Other abnormalities occur as well, most often in people aged 60 and over. Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia.

What’s the difference between forgetfulness and dementia?

We all experience forgetfulness. It may be caused by not focusing on what we’re doing. Something comes to mind and distracts us. Or someone interrupts us so we forget where we’ve put our items. When we get older, we think more slowly and learn new activities more slowly, both of which are examples of normal forgetfulness.

People with dementia, on the other hand, experience severe forgetfulness. They might forget the way home, the date, time, and where to go. They may leave things and not recall where they put them. They can forget the names of family members. In addition to memory issues, they will have problems with thinking, decision-making, communicating. They may be unable to solve simple problems in everyday life such as sorting the laundry. They may call a spoon a fork or forget how to wear clothes. People with the disease need to be closely monitored both in terms of health and daily life.

What is Alzheimer’s?

Alzheimer's is one of the most common types of dementia, caused by a gradual deterioration of the brain. Sufferers have problems with memory, thinking, decision-making. In the end, they cannot carry out their own daily activities. They need to be assisted and closely supervised. The disease usually occurs in people over 60 but has been found in people in their 30s. Alzheimer's in people aged 30-60 is called early-onset Alzheimer's.

When is forgetfulness a sign of Alzheimer’s?

There are differences between normal forgetfulness and forgetfulness from Alzheimer's. But it can be difficult to tell these apart. The table below may help differentiate forgetfulness from aging from forgetfulness from Alzheimer's.

What causes forgetfulness?

Forgetfulness has several causes:

Aging

Aging reduces brain efficiency. This forgetfulness is normal and not a symptom of Alzheimer's. But if the forgetfulness gets more and more severe, it’s time to consult a doctor and be closely monitored.

Diseases that affect memory

Certain diseases or conditions can cause memory problems. Forgetfulness improves once the underlying disease is treated. Diseases that can cause memory problems include:

• Brain tumors
• Blood clots in the brain
• Brain infections
• Thyroid, kidney, or liver disease
• Excessive alcohol
• Brain injuries
• Side effects of some drugs
• Poor nutrition, without minerals or vitamins such as B12

Emotional issues

Emotional problems such as stress, anxiety, and depression cause memory problems that lead to forgetfulness, which can sometimes be mistaken for dementia. A traumatic event such as the loss of a close relative or a major setback can cause behavioral changes such as introversion, confusion, or forgetfulness.

But this confusion or forgetfulness is temporary and will disappear as the person recovers from their trauma. Emotional problems require understanding and support from family and friends.

Mild cognitive impairment

Slightly impaired cognition lies between dementia and normal aging, with a decrease in brain functioning in at least 1 of these 6 areas:

1. Reduced concentration, so you forget what you’re doing or where you left items like car keys
2. Slower thinking and decision-making with more complex problems
3. Poor memory, especially short-term memory, such as forgetting that relatives visited yesterday or whom you talked to yesterday and what about
4. Problems with language, such as being unable to recall words or say you don’t understand
5. Inability to remember directions and getting lost often or forgetting work skills
6. Behavioral and mood disorders such as inappropriate social behavior, not socializing, being less empathetic, touchy, depressed, or anxious

The symptoms of mild cognitive impairment at first seem similar to normal aging. But with mild cognitive impairment these symptoms worsen and could develop into Alzheimer's. But people with mild cognitive impairment can still perform daily tasks, albeit with more support than before.

Other forms of dementia

In addition to Alzheimer's, other dementias that can cause forgetfulness, such as frontal lobe dementia, Lewy body dementia, vascular dementia.

What to do if a relative becomes forgetful?

If you or a relative becomes forgetful, keep observing to see if the forgetfulness affects daily life. If there’s an impact and it happens so often that it raises concern, see a doctor and get a diagnosis for timely treatment.

There’s still no cure for dementia. But screening, especially among those with risk factors, can help slow its onset. We can adjust our lifestyles and take medication to slow the symptoms. With the supervision of medical professionals we can enhance our long-term quality of life. Delaying diagnosis and treatment can accelerate brain deterioration.

Once you have dementia or severe forgetfulness, you need a caregiver. Forgetfulness can cause accidents or a failure to take medicine vital for long-term health.

Options are expanding in care for older adults, especially those with dementia. Choosing a suitable place to live is crucial. Suitable design can boost the quality of everyday life and reduce accidents and falls. Activities can stimulate and promote brain health too, slowing the brain’s deterioration.

The Health & Brain Center at The Aspen Tree supports brain health and can delay the onset of dementia. The center also provides care and activities for older adults with brain and memory problems. A team of experts are available 24 hours a day to ensure your safety, comfort, and peace of mind in every aspect.

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