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One of the biggest symptoms of Alzheimer's disease for most people is memory loss. But when is memory loss normal and when is it something to be more concerned about? Some people don't realize that there are normal degrees of memory problems, which might make them defensive about those instances. 

Memory Loss Is Scary 

If you've ever forgotten something, you know how frustrating it can be. Your senior may be a little more than frustrated though because memory loss on even a small scale can feel to her as if her life might be about to change dramatically. At a certain age, even normal memory loss can seem as if it's an indication of Alzheimer's disease, so it's important to know the difference. 

Normal Memory Loss 

The first step is to get a handle on what normal memory loss is. It's perfectly normal to forget someone's name, especially if you don't see that person often. Your senior might also forget that she has an appointment coming up. Usually there is something that reminds your elderly family member about these details, though. That's going to be a key difference. 

Potentially Dangerous Memory Loss 

The types of memory loss that should really concern you and your senior are the types in which she's asking for the same information from you or from others over and over. If she doesn't remember telling you the same story in the exact same way a few minutes later, that also fits. If she is having trouble with information that she's always had ready access to in the past, that's a sign of possible problems. 

Talk to Your Senior's Doctor 

The bottom line is that if you or your elderly family member are concerned about any of the memory loss she's experiencing, it's time to talk to her doctor. Her doctor can do some testing and get to the root of what is going on. From there you can start looking at plans and solutions that can help your senior to get what she needs in terms of assistance and treatment. 

Senior care providers can help you and your elderly family member to deal with her memory loss issues. They can set up reminders for her and make sure that she gets where she needs to go. If she needs other help along the way, they can also take care of that for her. You'll both feel better knowing that she's got support when you're not there. 

If you or an aging loved-one are considering Senior Care in Irmo, SC, please talk to our caring staff. Call today (803) 223-6173.

Excerpt: Memory loss is something that almost everyone experiences now and again, but when is it something to worry about?