It’s common to wonder about a loved one’s memory as they get older. Maybe they’ve started repeating stories, seem a little more forgetful than usual, or just don’t feel quite like themselves lately.
It can be difficult to know what is simply a normal part of aging and what might be worth paying closer attention to. If you’ve ever found yourself asking, “Is this just getting older, or is something changing?” you’re not alone.
This guide can help you better understand what typical aging looks like, which changes may deserve a closer look, and how to approach those concerns with greater confidence and peace of mind.
What Memory Changes are Normal with Aging?
As people age, the brain changes – but not all of those changes are signs of something more serious. Understanding what’s typical can bring families peace-of-mind and make it easier to notice when something falls outside that range.
Normal aging might look like:
- Taking a little longer to recall a name or word, but remembering it later
- Occasionally forgetting where you put your keys or glasses
- Moving more slowly through tasks that used to feel easy
- Needing more time to learn something new
- Losing track of the day of the week, but figuring it out quickly
These things can be frustrating for the person experiencing them, but they generally don’t interfere with daily life in a major way. What’s worth paying closer attention to is when memory or thinking changes start affecting someone’s ability to function, make decisions, or stay safe.
What are Early Cognitive Decline Signs Most Families Miss?
The early stages of cognitive decline can be subtle. Here’s a few early signs to be aware of:
Repeating Questions or Stories in the Same Conversation
We all repeat ourselves occasionally. However, it is worth noting when someone asks the same question several times within a single visit or tells the same story without any awareness that they’ve already told it.
Getting Lost in Familiar Places
Forgetting where you parked at a new mall is normal, but getting turned around driving home from a place you’ve gone for years is different. Disorientation in familiar environments can be an early warning sign of cognitive decline.
Trouble Managing Money or Bills
Watch for unpaid bills that were previously handled reliably, confusion about account balances, difficulty counting change, or falling for phone and email scams. Financial decision-making is a complex cognitive task and it often shows strain early on.
Withdrawing from Social Life or Hobbies
When someone who was previously social and engaged starts pulling back from activities they used to love, it can sometimes be because those activities feel overwhelming or confusing in a way they struggle to explain.
Changes in Judgment or Decision-Making
You might notice your parents making choices that seem out of character like skipping important medications, making impulsive purchases, or not dressing appropriately for the weather. Judgement is a higher-order cognitive function and when it starts slipping, the effects can be easy to see but hard to name.
Difficulty Following Conversations or Plots
Struggling to follow a TV show they’ve always loved, losing the thread of a conversation, or frequently asking you to repeat yourself (beyond typical hearing loss) can all reflect changes in how the brain processes and holds onto information in real-time.
When to Seek Guidance About Cognitive Changes
If something has been lingering in the back of your mind, trust that instinct. When changes seem to fall outside of what’s typical for aging, it’s okay to ask questions and seek guidance. You don’t need to have it all figured out before reaching out to a doctor. A primary care provider can help determine what may be contributing to the changes, rule out other possible causes, and guide you toward the right next steps if additional support is needed.
Looking for Support?
Cura Living is here to help families navigate this challenging experience with clarity and compassion. Our Memory Care team is trained in dementia-specific communication and behavior response. Schedule a meeting or give us a call to learn more about options and best next steps.