Being Forgetful? For Those Over Age 40 It's A Big Question
How old were you when you first forgot where you left your keys? It happens to all of us, no matter how old we happen to be. When we are young, we ignore it. But once you get to age 40, you start wondering if your occasional forgetfulness is more than something to laugh off.
Experts in dementia tell us that most people take longer to remember things as we get older. We will get occasionally distracted more easily than when we were younger. We will sometimes struggle when we attempt to multi-task. The experts say this becomes more noticeable starting in our 40s, 50s, and early 60s.
Health, Body, and Mind Change With Age
Most people start to get concerned about our memory as we grow older. Our health and body have gone through changes since we were 20 years old. Once we get to age 50, we will start seeing more changes in our health, body, and mind. Depending on the amount of these changes will determine the amount of help and assistance we will need in the years ahead.
Our memory makes up who you are as a person, your personality, how you perceive the world because of the experiences you have had throughout your life. As we age, slight changes occur in our cognition that affects memory.
Normal Aging ... Or Not?
Simple forgetfulness (the "missing keys") and delay or slowing in recalling names, dates, and events can be part of the normal aging process. Memory has various forms, though, that might be affected differently by aging. Read more from the Cleveland Clinic.
You and your family should understand the changes we face as we get older. If your memory loss is something more than just normal aging, you should seek help from a physician. Your memory loss could require supervision to protect you when your cognitive decline becomes worse.
Know the SIgns
Here are some signs:
- Memory loss, commonly noticed by friends and family
- Communication problems - difficulty in finding the right word or phrase
- Difficulty in solving problems, planning, organizing, and simple reasoning
- Inability to complete complex tasks
- Confusion and disorientation
- Coordination and motor function problems
- Loss of or reduced visual perception
- Decreased sense of smell or metallic taste in the mouth
There are often psychological changes that can be noticed by loved ones:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Personality and behavior changes
- Mood swings
- Hallucinations
- Apathy
- Agitation
What is MCI?
Sure, older people tend to ask the same questions or tell the same stories, but if this becomes the norm, that is not normal. Sometimes people suffer from Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). People with MCI can usually take care of themselves but will often forget appointments or important events. MCI could be a sign of Alzheimer's or other more progressive dementia but not always. A doctor will monitor the person every six months to watch the progression.
As dementia progresses, supervision will be required. Supervision due to memory loss is one of many reasons a person requires long-term care. Preparing for the financial costs and burdens of aging and health changes is key to a successful retirement plan.
Prepare Family and Finances with LTC Insurance
Affordable Long-Term Care Insurance will safeguard your income and savings, like your 401(k), IRA, 403(b). It will also ease the burden that this care places on your family.
Before you retire should research Long-Term Care Insurance options. Experts suggest starting your planning in your 40s or 50s as these policies are medically underwritten.
Most states have Partnership Long-Term Care Insurance plans that add additional dollar-for-dollar asset protection. Caregiving is hard on your family, and paid care is expensive. An affordable LTC Insurance policy will add peace-of-mind, giving your family the time to be family.