Memory Problems In Elderly (Dementia)

With a longer life expectancy now, there will be a significant rise in the number of elderly with a consequent higher frequency of dementia and other neurodegenerative illnesses.

Dementia is an umbrella term to classify a range of conditions which presents with worsening memory, speech and ability to have independent living. Alzheimer’s Disease remains the most common, followed by those cause by strokes. Other forms of dementia are the Lewy Body and Front-temporal types. Dementia symptoms are also frequently present in illnesses such as Parkinson’s Disease. Furthermore similar symptoms can be due to hormonal or vitamin deficiencies in rare cases.

Depression in the elderly may also present with symptoms suggestive of dementia. Untreated depression also puts one at higher risk of developing it.

Early assessment and commencement of both pharmacological and other therapies are essential for optimising the quality of life of the patients and the caregivers.

Signs that it might be time to talk to a doctor include :

• Asking the same questions over and over again
• Getting lost in places a person knows well
• Having trouble following recipes or directions
• Becoming more confused about time, people, and places
• Not taking care of oneself —eating poorly, not bathing, or behaving unsafely