Seniors occasionally forget where they left their keys or glasses and may sometimes have a difficult time remembering the details of conversations. But before you attribute your aging loved one’s memory loss to a condition such as dementia or Alzheimer’s, take a look at this list of some of the other common threats to senior memory.
Medications
Many medications prescribed for seniors, including drugs that treat high cholesterol and blood pressure, are notorious for causing memory problems and cognitive impairment. Seniors who take multiple medications are also at risk for memory loss as the result of medication interactions. A pharmacist can review your loved one’s medication list and suggest alternatives to promote overall brain functioning.
B Vitamin Deficiency
As seniors age, it’s more difficult for their digestive tracts to absorb B vitamins from food. Minor deficiencies in B vitamins can cause some cognitive impairment, and severe deficiencies can cause dementia-like symptoms. B vitamins can be taken as sublingual drops placed under the tongue, or they can be administered by injection.
Older adults with severe cognitive challenges may find it difficult to manage their nutrition and overall health on their own. If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of homecare families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.
Depression
Depression is the most common mental health problem among seniors, who have a higher risk of developing this condition as the result of major lifestyle changes, such as the loss of loved ones, fewer social interactions, and changes in health and wellness. However, less than 40 percent of seniors consider depression a real health problem, and more than half think it’s a normal part of aging. Untreated depression can cause memory loss, difficulty making decisions, and mild cognitive impairment.
Seniors can benefit from the help of professional caregivers with training in methods designed to boost cognitive health. Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of in-home care. Barrie families can rely on Home Care Assistance to provide individualized care plans to meet your elderly loved one’s unique care needs. Our holistic Balanced Care Method was designed to help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and our Cognitive Therapeutics Method offers mentally stimulating activities that can stave off cognitive decline and delay the onset of dementia.
Cardiovascular Disease
Cognitive impairment is often a side effect of cardiovascular disease, which impairs circulation to all parts of the body, and a brain starved of blood doesn’t perform well. Seniors should undertake lifestyle changes, such as exercising daily and following a brain-healthy diet like the Mediterranean diet, to reverse the effects of cardiovascular disease.
Caring for Older Adults with Memory Loss
There are several common reversible causes of memory loss and cognitive impairment in older adults that should be considered before assuming your loved one will receive a diagnosis of dementia or Alzheimer’s. Meeting with your loved one’s doctor and discussing your concerns can pinpoint the problem so the appropriate level of care can be provided.
If your loved one is diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, learn more about the in-home care programs available near you. With dementia and Alzheimer’s care from a reliable senior care agency, your loved one can remain in the comfort of home while receiving the high level of care he or she deserves.
Aging in place can present a few unique challenges for older adults. Some only require part-time assistance with exercise or meal preparation, while others are living with serious illnesses and benefit more significantly from receiving live-in care. Barrie, ON, Home Care Assistance are leaders in the elderly in-home care industry for good reason. We tailor our care plans based on each senior’s individual needs, our caregivers continue to receive updated training in senior care as new developments arise, and we also offer comprehensive care for seniors with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s. Trust Home Care Assistance to provide high-quality compassionate, professional care for your loved one. If your loved one needs help with the challenges of aging, call one of our compassionate Care Managers today at 647-970-3803.