Recognizing the Difference Between Normal Forgetfulness and Alzheimer’s Disease

As you age, it is not uncommon to have periodic memory lapses. Perhaps you missed a lunch date or forgot where you put your keys. But when your friend calls wondering why you weren’t there, you suddenly remember your plans. And after looking around the house for a few minutes, you find that your keys are on the kitchen table instead of on the hook by the door. These are typically not things to get too concerned about. When you have a lot on your mind or are trying to juggle multiple tasks at once, this can lead to occasional forgetfulness.

Other situations can be a cause for concern, however, and may indicate the onset of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, or other issues. Recognizing the difference between normal forgetfulness and something more serious can help you to be more proactive about your health and that of your loved ones.

Difficulty Recalling Information

Everyone forgets someone’s name from time to time or has trouble recalling specific details. With normal aging, you remember this information after a short time or when something triggers your memory. The next time you go to retrieve this information, it is easier to remember. With dementia or Alzheimer’s, this information still may not come to you even after some time has passed. Or even after seeing a reminder, you still forget. Asking the same questions repeatedly and not being able to recall the answer can be a sign of more than just normal forgetfulness.

Uncharacteristic Behavior

It’s normal to have an off day now and then and be irritated at your forgetfulness. There could be many reasons behind it. But this is just a small incident and otherwise you feel like yourself and carry on as usual. For those with Alzheimer’s they may exhibit unusual behavior that is not consistent with their regular personality. They may act out, become defensive, or have difficulty making rational decisions. If you notice that a loved one’s behavior and personality has changed, it may be beneficial to consult your doctor.

Confusion about Time or Place

You may lose track of time or momentarily forget where you were headed or what you wanted to pick up at the store, but you quickly readjust. People with Alzheimer’s may get lost or disoriented in familiar places or lose sense of the time, day of the week, or even year. It is often easier to remember things that happened further in the past then more recently.

Occasional forgetfulness can be annoying but does not interfere with your ability to carry out daily tasks and follow directions. With dementia, the person may begin to let personal hygiene slip, place things in odd locations, substitute common words with something that makes little sense, and act more unpredictably. If you are concerned about your forgetfulness or that of a loved one, or notice any of the above symptoms, talk to your doctor. They can assess whether there is reason for concern or these actions are just a normal part of aging.

Tips for Planning Ahead for Alzheimer’s Care

Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease can be challenging. As the condition progresses, they may have more difficulty making decisions for themselves and require additional assistance. Planning ahead can allow them to have more say in how they want their medical care, finances, and other decisions handled. This can also relieve some of the stress on caregivers when trying to sort things out later.

Educate yourself about Alzheimer’s and how it can impact your loved one. Know what to expect and signs to look for that their condition is progressing. Learn how to be more supportive and help them to remain as independent as possible.

Consider Power of Attorney so that you have the authority to make decisions on behalf of your loved one. This can be easier to arrange ahead of time while their memory is still fairly good so that they can specify how they want things handled. You can make sure that you are following their wishes while doing what is in their best interest. It may also be helpful to contact a financial planner to help organize their finances and ensure everything is taken care of.

Make modifications around the home to decrease safety risks. Install hand rails, put down slip resistant mats, increase lighting, and make any repairs necessary. Post emergency numbers where they are easily visible and consider adding labels to drawers and cabinets to help your loved one remember where things are.

Arrange for in-home care that can be adjusted as your loved one needs more support. In-home care offers a wide range of services and can be tailored to meet specific needs. This can help your senior to maintain their independence while getting assistance as needed with tasks they find more challenging. It can also provide additional safety and monitoring of their wellbeing.

Establish routines that can help your senior to better remember daily tasks. Having a set schedule can reduce frustration and ease transitions. Small cues can help them know what to expect and allow them to be more involved.

Periodically re-evaluate to make sure your plans are still as effective as possible. You may need to adjust the amount of care they receive, make additional modifications around the home, or begin taking more control over decision making. Monitor the progress of their Alzheimer’s so that you know what you are dealing with and how to address various situations.

Being proactive with Alzheimer’s care can help you to make the most of the time you spend with your loved one and help them to maximize their wellbeing too. Having plans in place allows you to reduce the stress you may feel when trying to manage everything and gives you peace of mind that you are prepared to handle things as they arise. The most important thing is to talk with your loved one and get them as involved in early decision making as possible so you know that their wishes and needs are being met as they age.

Staying Healthy: Preparing for Cold and Flu Season

The arrival of fall also marks the typical start of cold and flu season. While for many this can be a minor inconvenience, it can have a more serious impact on older adults whose immune systems may be weaker or compromised. Taking proper precautions and following preventive measures can help seniors to boost their immune system and reduce risk for illness.

• Get vaccinated: While a flu vaccine does not prevent against all strains of the illness, it does protect against the most common threats. Recent studies have shown that a high-dose vaccine can be beneficial for seniors in addition to receiving the pneumococcal vaccine to protect against pneumonia.
• Wash your hands: Your hands are exposed to many surfaces where germs may linger. Frequent washing can help to minimize transfer of these germs. The eyes, nose, and mouth are common entryways for bacteria and viruses, so keeping your hands away from your face and making sure they are thoroughly cleaned before eating can help prevent illness.
• Avoid those who are ill: If a friend or family member is sick, try to postpone visits until they are feeling better. This can reduce unnecessary exposure to germs and make the visit more enjoyable for all once they have recovered. It can be a good idea to minimize exposure to highly crowded and confined areas as well when possible.
• Maintain healthy habits: Continue eating a well balanced diet, drinking plenty of fluids, and getting a good night’s rest. Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables as well as lean meats to ensure you are getting essential nutrients and vitamins. Adequate rest along with a good diet allows your body to heal and can boost your immune system to better fight off viruses.
• Disinfect common surfaces: Use disinfecting spray or wipes to clean commonly touched surfaces such as doorknobs, telephones, remote controls, and counter tops. This can help reduce the spread of germs and bacteria.
• Monitor symptoms: If you do feel a cold or the flu coming on, monitor your symptoms to help detect and prevent problems early on. Talk to your doctor about how to best address symptoms and help your body to fight off illness. Make sure to rest and drink plenty of fluids to support your health. Try to avoid over stressing your body which can weaken your immune system.

Make sure your loved one is prepared this fall to stay healthy. Arrange for an appointment or transportation so that they can get their flu shot and stay abreast of their health. Be alert to any signs or symptoms that may indicate illness and ensure they are taking proper care of themselves. If their condition does not improve or seems to be getting worse, seek medical help for more effective treatment and monitoring. Being proactive and reducing the spread of germs can make for a more enjoyable fall and winter season and promote better health.

Breast Cancer Awareness for Seniors

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Although researchers have made many advancements in detection, treatment, and prevention, this still continues to be a major health concern. Increasing age is no reason for seniors to stop being as diligent about getting regular screenings and monitoring their health. According to the American Cancer Society, “About 1 out of 8 invasive breast cancers are found in women younger than 45, while about 2 of 3 invasive breast cancers are found in women age 55 or older.”[1]

·         Get regular screenings

Women over the age of 40 should have yearly mammograms and screenings. This can help to detect cancer early on and may allow for more effective treatment. For women over the age of 75, their doctor can advise them on what types of screenings are recommended based on their risk factors. In addition to mammograms, women can do breast self exams at home to better identify any unusual changes. Their doctor can also do a clinical exam at the office to look for any irregularities or causes of concern.

·         Know your risk

Find out if breast cancer runs in your family. If your mother or sister had it, you may be at increased risk. Family history does not guarantee that you will eventually develop breast cancer but it may increase risk and allow you to be more conscientious about getting checked. Maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle can help to decrease risk while obesity and lack of physical activity can increase risk. If you have been on hormone treatment, this can also elevate risk and is something to keep an eye on.

·         Treatment is available

There are many treatments available for seniors who develop breast cancer. Surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation can all be effective treatment methods depending on the situation. Work with your doctor to determine which course of action is recommended and what it entails. Know what your health insurance or Medicare will cover as far as treatment and medication. Age and other health conditions may be factors in deciding what treatment to pursue.

·         Work together to coordinate care

Coordinate with family and friends to arrange for transportation and someone to be with your senior during treatment as well as afterward. This can help you to better monitor their care and assist with side effects. Be supportive and do what you can to ease stress and tension. Preparing meals ahead of time, making modifications around the home, and providing companionship can all make the situation easier to handle.

Don’t forget that men can develop breast cancer as well. While it is approximately 100 times less common than among women, it still occurs. Make sure that your family is aware of any family history – both in females and males – as well as risk factors, and that regular screenings and check ups are scheduled to support early detection.

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[1] http://www.cancer.org/cancer/breastcancer/detailedguide/breast-cancer-risk-factors

Keeping Your Senior Safe on Halloween

Halloween can be a night of great fun, but it can also pose safety issues to seniors. While they may enjoy handing out candy to young children that stop by, they can also be at risk for teenagers looking to pull pranks. Limited mobility can make getting up and down and continually answering the door a challenge. For those with dementia, they may become confused, agitated, or disoriented. Having a plan in place ahead of time can help your senior to enjoy the spirit of Halloween and trick-or-treaters while also staying safe.

• Buddy up: If you are worried about your loved one being home alone, make arrangements for them to go to a neighbor’s home. Here they can hand out candy together and the neighbor can provide assistance as needed. Seeing multiple adults together can discourage teenagers from trying anything sneaky.
• Celebrate together: Go to your senior’s home or invite them to yours. You can hand out candy together or take the grandchildren around the neighborhood. If mobility is an issue, your loved one can stay seated by the door as you hand out candy and they can still enjoy seeing the children dressed up.
• Keep the lights on: Not only will a well-lit home allow your senior and trick-or-treaters to see better as they navigate their way, it can also deter mischief. Even if your loved one does not want to hand out candy, leave the lights on so others do not think it is an empty home. Encourage your senior to watch a movie or engage in other activities to distract them from any knocking on the door.
• Discourage driving: Driving at night can be riskier for seniors anyway, but on Halloween there are many more people out. With small children running around and dark costumes, your senior may not be able to see as well. If they need to travel, go pick them up, or ensure that they have everything they may need the day before.

Talk to your aging parent about how they would like to spend Halloween. Are they planning on handing out candy or going to an event? Discuss options such as going to a neighbor’s house or spending the evening with you and your family. If they are planning on spending the evening alone at their home, ensure that the proper safety measures have been taken and be sure to check in periodically. Halloween can be a great holiday to spend together making memories and having fun. Your senior may be excited to see their grandchildren dressed up or get to partake in annual rituals. Communicate with them about plans so that everyone is on the same page and you can keep them safe while still allowing them to enjoy the evening.