Many older people can remember to take their medicine as prescribed but not all of them have Alzheimers Disease. Whats the difference in these memory problems?
Age-related memory loss begins in human beings around 40-50 years of age and continues into later years. This is due to changes in the brain associated with normal aging. It is a gradual process and most individuals build compensatory mechanisms to assist them to remember, such as writing down information and keeping keys in the same place at home etc. When a new medication is ordered, it may take a few days for the older adult to establish a routine or method for taking the drug as prescribed. Most older people adapt to memory loss and maintain the ability to function well at work and at home. They pay their bills on time, keep clinic appointments, drive around and get home safely. When the older person has difficulty with daily functioning because of memory loss, such as forgetting to eat meals, further assessment is indicated. When an older person shows changes in behavior or unsafe behavior, assessment factors can be summarized by the “4 D’s”: Delirium, Dementia, Depression, Drugs.
Related Questions
- Many older people can remember to take their medicine as prescribed but not all of them have Alzheimers Disease. Whats the difference in these memory problems?
- What is the difference between age-associated memory impairment and dementia, such as Alzheimers disease?
- Where can people get more general information about memory problems, MCI, and Alzheimers disease?
