Is It Normal Aging or Something More?
One of the most common questions I hear from families is, “How do I know if this is normal aging or something more?”
As we get older, some changes in thinking are expected. It may take longer to remember a name, find the right word, or remember why you went into a room. Occasional forgetfulness is a normal part of life.
What concerns me more is when people notice ongoing changes but dismiss them as “just getting older” and wait years before seeking help.
Today, there are more reasons than ever to pursue an evaluation early. New treatments for Alzheimer’s disease are available for some individuals in the earliest stages of the disease. These treatments are designed for people with mild symptoms and must be started early in the disease process. Waiting until symptoms become more advanced may mean missing the opportunity to benefit from these advances.
An early diagnosis doesn’t just provide answers—it provides options. Early evaluation gives families more time to plan, access resources, and make important decisions together while the individual can actively participate in the conversation. For some people, it may also open the door to treatment opportunities that simply aren’t available later in the disease process.
It’s also important to remember that not all memory problems are caused by Alzheimer’s disease. Vascular conditions, sleep disorders, medication side effects, depression, anxiety, vitamin deficiencies, thyroid conditions, and other medical issues can affect memory and thinking. Many of these conditions are treatable, which means an evaluation may provide answers and solutions that can improve quality of life.
The good news is that an evaluation can help identify potential causes and provide a clearer understanding of what is happening.
I encourage adults to make cognitive health part of their routine wellness planning, just like monitoring blood pressure, cholesterol, hearing, or vision. If memory changes have been on your mind, consider scheduling a memory screening. The St. Anthony’s Hospital Memory Disorders Center offers free memory screenings that can be completed in person, by telephone, or through tele-health. To learn more, call 727-825-1595.
Many families tell me that one of the hardest parts is knowing when to seek help—or convincing a loved one to be evaluated in the first place. Others are already caring for someone with a diagnosis and aren’t sure where to turn for support.
You don’t have to navigate these challenges alone.
That’s one of the reasons I facilitate monthly caregiver support groups through Memorable Pathways. These groups provide a welcoming place to connect with others who understand the unique challenges of caring for someone living with memory loss, cognitive changes, Alzheimer’s disease, or another form of dementia.
Whether you’re just beginning to notice memory changes or have been caregiving for years, support, education, and connection can make a meaningful difference.
For more information about caregiver support groups or to reserve your spot, visit https://memorablepathways.com/#support.
– Kim Saberi, MSW
Certified Montessori Dementia Care Practitioner
