Do you find yourself unable to perform everyday activities that were once second-nature to you — such as cooking, carrying on a conversation, or recalling memories? To a certain degree, mild memory loss can be a common part of aging. CareResource Hawaii in Honolulu shares that, while you might sometimes find yourself misplacing your wallet or lapsing on an acquaintance’s name, this is not always an indicator of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

However, these in-home caregivers share that your mental abilities and cognitive functioning should remain largely unaffected by normal aging. Occasional forgetfulness should not interfere with your ability to work, live independently, or maintain healthy relationships. You should still be able to retain common sense, the ability to reason, and form logical judgments.

Dementia is characterized by a consistent decline in two or more cognitive functions — such as memory, reasoning, language, and judgment. The onset of dementia can be gradual, and it’s important to diagnose mild cognitive impairment early to begin treatment that helps manage symptoms and prevent them from progressing further.

The main thing to know about memory loss is that it should not interfere with your everyday life. For example, while you might occasionally miss a turn on your daily work commute, getting lost while driving in a familiar area is a cause for concern. You might also occasionally forget about an appointment, but should not have overdue bills piling up. You might have a word on the “tip of your tongue,” but your sentences should not be garbled.

While Alzheimer’s disease is recognized as the leading cause of dementia, there are several other conditions that cause memory loss or other dementia-like symptoms. Fortunately, many can be reversible with early intervention. Minor head trauma, emotional disorders, alcoholism, and certain medications are some possible causes of reversible memory loss.

If you or a loved one require assistance with managing memory loss, speak with a professional in-home caregiver. At CareResource Hawaii, they provide compassionate elderly assistance in the comfort of your home. Head online to learn more about their range of home care services that allow clients to maintain independence while receiving assistance with personal care, transportation, and medical needs. To speak with one of their in-home caregivers, give them a call today at (808) 691-4663.