Senior moments can happen to us all – and usually they’re nothing to worry about. But there are some early warning signs you shouldn’t ignore
Who hasn’t gone upstairs and forgotten why? Or spent 10 minutes looking for the glasses that were sitting on your head all the time? Are memory issues like these simply part of normal ageing or something more to fret over? If you’re concerned about yourself – or a loved one – this is what you need to know...
Problems with planning and organisation
IT’S NORMAL to miss the odd payment or forget to add the tuna to the tuna pasta bake one evening.
WHEN TO WORRY: If it becomes difficult to follow a familiar recipe or remember a route that you’ve taken for years, you might want to seek medical advice. Problem solving and following a plan involving several steps can become increasingly tricky with dementia. Concentration can become a problem and things may take longer while you struggle with tasks that used to come naturally.
Forgetting recently learnt information
IT’S NORMAL to sometimes forget where you’ve put your glasses or the remote control, or to miss an appointment but remember later. ‘When you have a busy schedule, it is not unusual to forget an event but as soon as prompted, you should remember immediately,’ explains Dr Emer MacSweeney, consultant neuroradiologist and CEO and medical director of Re:Cognition Health.
WHEN TO WORRY: Alzheimer’s tends to affect more recent memory first. If you frequently forget important dates, you’re having to be repeatedly told information, or are having to rely on others for things that you used to remember and manage on your own, then this could be a red flag. Look out for regularly misplacing things – a phone in the fridge, for example.
Problems with communication
IT’S NORMAL to sometimes have trouble finding the right word or need help to use the settings on devices such as the microwave.
WHEN TO WORRY: Do you struggle to follow a conversation? Regularly having problems finding the right words and making yourself understood can be a sign of dementia. ‘Dementia can cause increased disorientation and a sense of feeling muddled and confused, which can undermine confidence,’ says former specialist dementia nurse Dave Bell.
Impaired judgement
IT’S NORMAL to make the odd bad decision or misjudge a step.
WHEN TO WORRY: Those with dementia may start making poor judgements with money, giving cash to scammers, for example, or with clothing choices or hygiene. And they may find it difficult to judge distance, colour and contrast. ‘As we get older our need for good lighting increases
