When Is a Senior Moment More Than Forgetfulness?
Six million people in the U.S. have dementia, according to NIH. Perhaps more shocking is that almost half of people (42%) older than 55 will likely have it someday, too.
It's likely fear of that approaching dementia that has led to the euphemism "senior moment." Though a lighthearted joke about elderly forgetfulness, underpinning it is a fear that it's more than just a moment. And that's a good question for families in Costa Mesa, CA: when is it not just a moment, but part of early dementia signs?
Aging and memory loss are complex topics, so let's dive deeper. Find out when forgetfulness in seniors in Costa Mesa's wonderful beachside climate, off Huntington Beach, is something to worry about.
What Is a Senior Moment?
To make sure we're all on the same page, let's define a senior moment once and for all. A senior moment is one of temporary forgetfulness, confusion, or disorientation experienced in the elderly population. Since these are brief (hence the word "moment,") they're brushed off as not serious.
To give an example, suppose your elderly mother or father calls you by the name of another sibling. It's only once you correct them that they realize their mistake. This can happen to anyone, but we call it a senior moment out of concern for cognitive health in seniors.
Naturally, longer-term confusion isn't what we'd call a senior moment. An elderly person who brings up events from 50 years ago when asked about what they had for lunch may be an early dementia warning sign.
When Are Senior Moments Nothing to Worry about?
Before you take things to DEFCON 5, we should understand when something is not worth freaking out about. Senior moments can encapsulate many different behaviors. Let's look at a handful:
- Forgetfulness with names or events
- Losing personal belongings like glasses
- Struggling to find the right word
- Struggling to acquire new info
- Entering a room and having forgotten why they entered
You may notice that every item on this list is something that happens to everyone, not just seniors. One of the big myths about senior moments is that they happen exclusively to seniors. You wouldn't be concerned if someone of a much younger age did one of these things, so cut some slack for the seniors.
How Should You React to a Senior Moment?
Senior moments should be treated similarly to how you treat a small child taking a fall. Try to laugh it off and not get everyone anxious about it without further proof that something is seriously wrong. Seniors already have a lot of anxiety to deal with.
Instead, gently correct a confused or disoriented senior. They can feel criticized or accused when confronted about the fact that they just forgot something. If it is really just a senior moment, they'll figure it out for themselves without feeling mental health stigma.
Signs It's More Than Just a Senior Moment
Now for the million-dollar question: when has a senior moment gone beyond into something worth worrying about?
For the sake of Alzheimer's awareness, let's look at some signs. You may wish to seek professional help if you notice the following.
Persistent Issues
The most obvious sign that this is something to be taken seriously is when it doesn't go away. It's one thing for someone to misplace their glasses. It's another when they misplace many different items multiple times a week.
Let's go back to the example of misnaming one of their own children. You probably should be concerned if every single time a senior meets a well-known person, they misname them. Especially if the person they address looks completely different, or the name refers to someone who has passed away.
Disruption of Everyday Life Due to Poor Memory
Memory is one of the key factors that dementia impacts. Suppose it gets to a point where the forgetfulness, confusion, and failure to absorb information affect everyday function. That may be cause for concern.
For example, suppose your senior adheres to a schedule for years. If they keep showing up late or missing events when they hadn't previously, that could be a warning sign. Especially if that senior had been a reliable person with all their affairs previously.
Major Language Issues
As we've said, everyone has the occasional brain fart. What people don't normally have, however, are major challenges with language. We're not talking about a word that's on the tip of your tongue; we're talking about major conversational dysfunction.
A great example is a senior who shuts down halfway through a sentence and fails to continue the thought train. When asking them what they were going to say, they might give the person asking a weird look. They'll tell them, perhaps a little annoyed, that they weren't saying anything.
What to Do When It's Not Just a Senior Moment
Suppose things have gone beyond what could be charitably described as a senior moment. You're observing extreme forgetfulness and an inability to live one's life normally. What comes next?
Seek Professional Help
Don't try to guess or self-diagnose with the internet. Talk to the people who have studied and trained for this. They'll be able to give a proper diagnosis and determine what is the next course of action.
Be Gentle and Caring
Above all else, show compassion and patience. Even if a senior has forgotten a name, that doesn't mean that this situation can't be troubling and harrowing for them. The confusion and disorientation aren't any more enjoyable for them than they are for you.
Find Compassionate Community at Coastal Heights
A senior moment is typically nothing to worry about, but it's important to know when it's gone too far. Disruption of one's daily life through poor memory and confusion is a sign that you need to take it seriously. Seek professional help, but above all, be the compassionate bedrock a senior needs.
Coastal Heights in Costa Mesa is much like the weather at Huntington Beach: calm, tranquil, and inviting. We offer amenities such as our arts and crafts center. Our compassionate staff understands that senior moments happen and makes sure your seniors feel loved and cared for.
Schedule a tour for independent living in Costa Mesa to see what your senior is missing.