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While it's natural for cognitive function to decline with age, that decline can happen swiftly for some, resulting in the need for home care or around-the-clock monitoring. Occasional forgetfulness is one of the most common signs of this decline, although it isn't necessarily cause for concern. On the other hand, persistent or permanent memory loss could be indicative of one of the following issues.

Common Causes of Memory Loss in Seniors

1. Dementia

Dementia isn't a single disease but rather a group of symptoms that affect cognitive function, including memory loss, confusion, disorientation, agitation, and paranoia. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, and other kinds include vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia. While none of these diseases can be cured, there are ways to slow their progression, especially if they're diagnosed early.

2. Medication Reactions

homecareSeveral medications can cause memory loss, including benzodiazepines, statins, antidepressants, dopamine agonists, beta-blockers, anticholinergics, and antiseizure drugs. In other words, seniors who take medication for everything from incontinence to anxiety may experience memory loss as a side effect.

3. Mild Cognitive Impairment

If a senior is more forgetful than the average individual of the same age, they may have mild cognitive impairment (MCI). MCI is characterized by a more rapid decline than can be attributed to the aging process alone, but it's not as severe as dementia. In other words, MCI encompasses the stage between normal forgetfulness and symptoms that warrant treatment. If your loved one has MCI, they won't require around-the-clock care, but you may want to arrange for a few hours of home care a week to assist with housekeeping, meal prep, and appointment management.

 

If your aging relative is experiencing worsening memory loss, turn to Compass Homecare. Based in Anchorage, AK, they provide comprehensive home care for families throughout the area. Services include personal care assistance, prescription pick-up, meal preparation, and help with bathing, grooming, and other daily tasks. Since they have a consumer-directed mission, you can design a service plan that’s tailored to meet every one of your loved one’s needs. To discuss your family’s situation with a member of their team, reach out online or call (907) 276-6960.

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