If you’re already worried about your aging loved one’s potential to develop Alzheimer’s disease, it may be concerning to notice he or she is starting to forget words. However, it’s important to remain calm and remember this isn’t always a sign of Alzheimer’s. Here are a few important things to understand about the connection between Alzheimer’s and word loss.
How Do You Identify Word Loss?
Forgetting words might seem like a fairly obvious symptom, but it can be somewhat difficult to notice. Listen carefully when your loved one speaks to see if there are sudden pauses or if he or she is using the wrong words to describe something.
Some seniors may start using filler noises like “um” while they work to remember the right word. It’s also fairly common for seniors who are forgetting words to speak more generally and start referring to things as “stuff,” “that,” or “it.” Think about the usual complexity of your loved one’s word choices to see if he or she seems to be using more simplistic language lately.
Does Alzheimer’s Cause People to Forget Words?
It’s true that Alzheimer’s disease eventually makes it difficult to use the right words. When a senior has Alzheimer’s, the parts of the brain that process language may not communicate as effectively, and memory problems can make word recall even more challenging. Seniors with Alzheimer’s disease also typically experience difficulty finding the right words as well as delays in naming objects, grammatical errors, and word mix-ups.
If your loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, help is just a phone call away. There are many reasons seniors might need assistance at home. Some may require regular mental stimulation due to an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, while others might only need part-time assistance with exercise and basic household tasks. Home Care Assistance is a leading Montgomery home care service provider. Families rely on our expertly trained caregivers to help their senior loved ones maintain a high quality of life.
Are There Other Reasons a Person May Be Forgetting Words?
The idea of forgetting words might seem worrying, but remember it’s not always due to Alzheimer’s. All seniors experience some decrease in word recall as they age, particularly with words they haven’t used in a while. Health issues such as dehydration or urinary tract infections can cause confusion, and this may be enough to make it difficult to remember words.
Word loss can also occur in seniors who are experiencing mental health issues such as depression or anxiety that are distracting them. If your loved one has hit his or her head recently, the injury may be the reason he or she is forgetting words.
Aging adults who need help handling mental and physical health issues can benefit from the assistance of highly trained professional caregivers. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional elderly home care. Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.
When Should You Be Concerned?
Everyone forgets a word every now and then, so not remembering one word doesn’t necessarily mean your loved one has Alzheimer’s disease. There’s probably no reason to be concerned if it just happens occasionally, especially when your loved one is tired or busy doing something else. However, if the word loss is common enough to make communication difficult, your loved one should see a doctor. You may also need to be concerned if the word loss is happening alongside general forgetfulness, mood swings, personality changes, and other signs of Alzheimer’s disease. A doctor can examine your loved one more thoroughly to see if he or she might have Alzheimer’s disease.
If you’re the primary caregiver for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease, you don’t have to go through it alone. Without the right assistance, Alzheimer’s can be challenging for seniors and their families to manage. If you’re looking for professional Alzheimer’s care, Montgomery Home Care Assistance provides high-quality care aging adults and their families can count on. All of our hourly and live-in caregivers are trained to help seniors with Alzheimer’s live happier and healthier lives, and we also provide specialized dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care. Home Care Assistance can be your trusted partner in caregiving for your loved one. Contact one of our experienced Care Managers today at (334) 593-3988 to learn more about our reliable in-home care services.