Cognitive decline is a natural part of aging for many older adults. However, severe cognitive decline can quickly compromise a person’s quality of life. Noticing the signs of cognitive decline can make a significant difference—it lets you step in to get your loved one the care they deserve.
Cognitive decline can showcase itself in many ways. Some older adults deal with memory loss and confusion, while others lose track of time and place. Cognitive decline is complex, but fortunately, a memory care community can help preserve your loved one’s quality of life.
Common Causes of Cognitive Decline in Seniors
The brain changes with age. Some degree of forgetfulness and cognitive decline is entirely normal—it’s just part of the aging process. However, serious cognitive decline is more complicated.
Some common causes of cognitive decline in older adults include:
- Poor physical health, which might include conditions like diabetes or heart disease.
- Mental health challenges, such as prolonged stress, anxiety, or depression.
- Medical conditions, like Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia.
- Lifestyle factors, like a lack of mental stimulation or regular physical exercise.
- Nutritional deficiencies, including insufficient levels of B vitamins or Vitamin D.
- Medications, as some prescriptions or combinations of drugs, may lead to memory issues.
If your loved one shows signs of cognitive decline, don’t ignore it. Instead, encourage your loved one to visit a healthcare professional for a comprehensive checkup. This can help you pinpoint the cause and create a plan going forward.
How to Recognize Cognitive Decline in Seniors
Spotting early signs of cognitive decline is sometimes complicated. It’s easy to confuse forgetfulness with age-related changes. While some degree of cognitive decline is normal, these signs are not.
Forgetting Important Events
One key sign of decline is if a person frequently forgets important events. Missing significant dates, like birthdays or anniversaries, indicates deeper memory challenges. For instance, if a loved one who has always been punctual suddenly forgets appointments or plans, it could be an early warning of memory loss.
Difficulty Completing Familiar Tasks
Struggling with everyday activities that once came easily can be another sign of cognitive decline. Tasks like managing bills and cleaning a home require memory, focus, and organized thinking, which can become compromised over time. If they’re frequently frustrated or avoiding once-simple routines, it could point to cognitive decline.
Trouble Finding the Right Words
Communication naturally engages different parts of the brain. If a loved one is forgetting common words, substituting them with unfamiliar words, or losing their place in a conversation, it could be due to cognitive changes. For example, they may call everyday items by vague descriptions, such as “that thing you write with” instead of “pen.”
Repeating the Same Questions
When an older adult frequently repeats questions in a short time span, it could signify advancing memory issues. This repetition often happens when they forget what’s already been asked, reflecting struggles with short-term memory. For instance, they might repeatedly ask about the time of an upcoming appointment despite having already received the answer.
Sudden Mood Swings
Shifts in behavior, such as abrupt irritability, anxiety, or withdrawal from friends and family, often indicate cognitive changes. Emotional outbursts might seem out of character for a typically calm person, while others may become unexpectedly quiet or disengaged. These mood swings can stem from frustration, confusion, or an inability to process emotions.
Confusion with Time or Place
Becoming disoriented or unsure about dates, locations, or even familiar surroundings might be a sign of the early effects of cognitive decline. A person may struggle to tell the difference between days or lose their way in places they’ve known for years.
This isn’t just an inconvenience. This can lead to a loved one failing to recognize a hazardous situation. If your loved one shows signs of confusion with time and place, it’s time to seek professional help.
Poor Judgment
Impaired decision-making is a significant problem. It can often lead to noticeable consequences like risky behaviors and poor financial choices. An older adult may fall victim to scams, ignore weather-appropriate clothing, or forget basic safety habits, like locking doors.
How to Help a Senior with Cognitive Decline
If your loved one shows signs of cognitive decline, it can be challenging. Fortunately, you and your family aren’t alone. With the help of a memory care community, you can support your loved one in maintaining their quality of life.
Memory care communities are a specialized lifestyle. They’re carefully designed to support older adults when cognitive decline and memory loss are involved. With a mix of therapeutic activities and activities, a team of experienced caregivers supports your loved one every day. Memory care communities offer a comfortable, secure environment specifically set up to help.
Learn the Benefits of Memory Care
Recognizing the signs of cognitive decline and offering help as soon as possible makes a big difference. It means you can get your loved one professional support sooner rather than later. With memory care, your loved one can receive personalized support designed to maintain their quality of life, just like they deserve.
Here at The Grande at Creve Coeur, we’re ready to welcome your loved one to our community. In our community, your loved one can receive the support and care they need. Whether they require mild assistance or more significant help, we’re here for your family. Schedule a tour today!
