Signs That Your or a Loved One’s Memory Could Be Getting Worse

Memory loss is a common condition that affects a lot of people in their later life. It is most commonly seen at an older age and can sometimes be a sign of Alzheimer’s, so if you feel as though your memory is not what it used to be or you are concerned about that of a loved one, it may be worth getting it checked out. Signs of memory loss come in many different ways, which this article is going to discuss in more detail.

 

What if it Is Alzheimer’s?

Now that you have seen the word Alzheimer’s, it’s likely you are going to be unable to go any further through this article without thinking about it all the time. Chances are this will not be the cause of some of the signs of memory loss you are seeing and even if it is, it is an illness that is somewhat manageable now. Thanks to improved medication and the care provided at places such as Belmont Village Senior Living, which offers memory care near Chicago, if you or a loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, there is plenty of support out there. Before worrying about that though, here are some of the signs to look out for that might be an indication your memory is getting worse.

 

You Are Having Momentary Lapses of Memory that Disrupt Everyday Life

One of the most common signs of Alzheimer’s disease or just general memory loss is that you are having momentary lapses in your memory and these lapses are getting in the way of your everyday life. This usually manifests itself as forgetting information that would otherwise be easily retained. It could also mean that you are forgetting important dates and events, as well as asking the same question over and over again, while increasingly needing to rely on memory aids like notes in order to not let certain information slip your mind.

 

You Find Planning or Solving Problems Harder

A lot of people who live with dementia may also experience a number of changes in their overall ability to follow a plan or develop one from scratch that involves numbers. They could have trouble when it comes to following a specific recipe or keeping track of their monthly bills. Concentration might also not come as easily, and it might take a bit too long for them to do the kinds of things that they used to before.

 

Tasks That You’ve Completed Many Times Before Now Seem More Difficult

It can also become a lot harder for you to complete everyday tasks, regardless of how many times you might have carried out these kinds of tasks in the past. If you leave something in a familiar location, one day you might find that said location has completely slipped your mind. You might also struggle when it comes to organising a grocery list or remembering the rules of a game that you have played many times in the past.

 

You AreOften Confused When It Comes to Time and Place

It can become increasingly easy to lose track of dates if you have memory loss or are showing symptoms of Alzheimer’s. This can also apply to recognizing what season it is and acknowledging the passage of time. Essentially, if something is not happening immediately, then you may find yourself struggling to understand that it is happening at all. You may also forget where you are and how you got there.

 

New Problems with Words, Both in Speaking and Writing

It can also become harder following or joining in on a conversation if you have memory loss. You could find yourself stopping in the middle of a conversation and then having no idea on how you can continue it or will simply just begin repeating yourself. It may also be the case that your vocabulary takes a hit as you could begin to forget words that previously will have been familiar to you, or rather than forget them entirely, you will end up mixing up names.

 

Misplacing an Item and Then Losing the Ability to Retrace Your Steps

This is another common occurrence for anybody that is living with memory loss or Alzheimer’s. When people lose something, it is common for them to begin to retrace their steps so that they are able to find it again. It is not that simple for people who have memory loss as they find it incredibly difficult to lose things and then take mental steps backwards in an effort to try and find them again. It may also be common to accuse other people of stealing them rather than simply confessing that it has been lost.

 

Judgment Becomes a Lot Poorer

It is commonplace for individuals to experience changes in their judgment and decision-making capabilities as their memory gets worse. This could apply to situations where they need to deal with money as they might pay less attention and miss a payment. It could also apply to grooming and keeping themselves clean as they may miss showers or not be as fastidious about getting their hair cut.

 

Withdrawal from Work or Social Activities

When you are living with Alzheimer’s disease or have developed an increased level of memory loss, it could be the case that you experience changes in your ability to hold or follow a conversation. The result could be a withdrawal from hobbies and social activities as there is no motivation to get out and try to engage with other people. You may also struggle with keeping up with a sport or a team that you used to follow as well.

 

Conclusion

There are a lot of problems that can affect people in old age but one of the most common is memory loss. If you are experiencing bouts of memory loss, which could manifest in any of the ways listed above, you should consider contacting your doctor to see what the cause is and get help.