Caring
for Caregivers Newsletter
Published by Janice Wallace, The Eldercare Coach
Short
Term Memory Loss
Dear Janice,
After my mom retired, she moved into my home from another state. I’ve
noticed recently that my mom is starting to forget things that I tell
her. She has always been an avid seamstress but seems to have lost interest
in her sewing projects. I wasn’t worried until I mentioned these
changes to a girlfriend who told me to tell my mom’s doctor. Should
I be worried? - Marilyn a.k.a. Mom’s Memory Bank
Dear Marilyn,
I agree with your friend. As we age, our brains can slow down. It may
be harder to recall a specific word. It may take longer to complete daily
tasks. That said, it is not normal to frequently have trouble recalling
recent events.
Other signs that a doctor should be consulted on are
- loss of interest in favorite activities
- changes in personal hygiene such as reluctance to bathe or change clothes
- loss of interest in socializing with others
- inability to complete tasks with multiple steps such as cook a meal
or
balance a checkbook
Many conditions can cause a senior’s loss of abilities. Never assume
a change is just normal aging. Make a habit of reporting significant changes
in behavior whether abrupt or gradual to your loved one’s doctor.