The belief that memory loss and personality changes are part of the normal aging process needs to be challenged. We may recall stern grandparents, have used the term “senior moment”, or watched as neighbors seem to get more reclusive as they age. How might we recognize changes in our parents or friends? I know it took my family a while to recognize the warning signs.
Recently I have been hearing “my mother repeats herself, but she doesn’t have dementia.” I usually will ask one question: “Was she always this way?” When the answer is “no” I tell them any personality change could be an early warning sign of some form of dementia or other medical issue.
Australia, the home of Kate Swaffer, shared a new resource that offers video’s that help explain the general disease of dementia (Alzheimer’s is just one form) and how it might be recognized in your daily life. Check out this great resource.
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So true. Dementia is not a normal part of aging. Nor is repeating conversations or questions. Rather than attributing these behaviors to old age, a trip to the doctor with your loved one is in order.
Hi Kay,
I’m not long home in Australia, and just catching up with emails and blogs I follow.
Thanks for the mention, and for promoting these great tools, AlzSA will be thrilled to hear they are going global.
I spent time with people in the UK, and one member of one family was adamant one parent does not have dementia, even though it was very obvious to me. I totally agree we need to smath the myths a bout normal ageing out there…
Hope all is well in your world?
With love,
Kate
Hi Kate – Saw you were in the UK. I hope you had a good time. Things are well.
I figure we can help by continuing to softly educate – it took me and my family time to understand, accept and support the reality of our changing lives.
Best, Kay
My 85 year old mom calls me everyday and for an hour or longer, she repeats the same stories over and over. Some are about the present but most are childhood memories and they are always bad. She has had mental problems all of her life but this is new. She’s also very mean and conniving with family members but mostly towards my 88 year old dad.
I’m sorry to hear. Is there a way to get her to a neurologist and maybe find medication or options to help? That doesn’t seem like a good way to spend time.