Memory Loss and Mood Swings in the Elderly: Caused by Dementia or Another Source?

Many presume that with old age one automatically has memory loss. Even some medical professionals will presume that memory loss, even an acute loss, is just a sign of aging or dementia. But if a memory loss is a sudden change, it is important to not just dismiss the symptom, since a true loss due to aging is often not due to dementia or aging at all. Many other treatable conditions that occur in later life can cause memory difficulties and sudden unusual confusion.

Some things that need to be assessed are the same things that can affect memory of younger people including malnutrition, dehydration, anemia, lack of oxygen to the brain due to asthma or other respiratory ailment, head injury, thyroid problems, vitamin deficiency, side effects of medication, even a stroke. Just like a younger person, memory problems can be caused by prolonged stress, chronic pain, a lack of sleep or poor sleep. In the elderly infections can also cause a confused state. Depression can also be a cause of memory loss and confusion in elderly patients. But just because someone is depressed and also happens to be elderly does not mean that the matter should not be addressed medically whenever possible.

It is disrespectful and a disservice to the elderly to presume memory loss or confusion is automatically caused by their age and thereby is to be dismissed. Frequently a thorough medical examination may help to establish the underlying cause of the symptoms, and an elderly person can often address and treat these conditions that are robbing them of a better quality of life.

It is also a disservice to the elderly to presume that elderly people automatically get cranky and moody and dismiss any compliant of the elderly as a part of the aging process. It is important to remember the following principles that are important when dealing with all people are all the more applicable when dealing with an elderly person. While the general golden rule concept fits most situations, extra care if likely needed in situations with an elderly person who appears to be overreacting to a situation or circumstance. While some people have just always been rude or selfish, if an elderly person grows to act that way, something else is likely afoot, which is probably driving the situation. Regardless of why an elderly person is displaying certain characteristics, attitudes or symptoms, it is important to remember to treat such a one with three basic principles as guidelines. While the Bible verses mentioned might be especially helpful to a religious person in helping them deal with an elderly relative, the principles behind them are basic concepts recognized by counselors and doctors in assisting the elderly.

Listen Carefully. "My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry" (James 1:19, New International Version). The best doctors listen for the details that give clues about the best diagnosis. If an elderly person lives by themselves, they could be sleeping poorly, have had a head trauma or a minor stroke or even be malnourished or neglect to take needed medications without anyone realizing it, including perhaps even the person themselves. Often if the elderly person speaks for a while, a pattern will emerge that indicates what might be going on so that a plan can be made to best accommodate the issue.

Show compassion. "God loves you and has chosen you as his own special people. So be gentle, kind, humble, meek, and patient." (Colossians 3:12, Contemporary English Version) An elderly person may need more time to do the things you and I take for granted, such as going up and down stairs, going to the bathroom, reading or driving. It is unlikely that they are not aware how long it takes them to do things, they are likely far more annoyed by this than you are, nothing is accomplished by using a harsh tone over something that cannot be fixed.

Be empathetic. "Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing." (1 Peter 3:8, 9, New International Version) If you had the same health problems as an elderly person, you would likely also take a long time to do things, seem cranky or worse. Try to put yourself in the elderly persons' place and imagine how hard basic errands such as going to the bank or grocery shopping must be when it takes them longer to do things, it is more difficult to stand and wait in line, and groceries are heavy. Imagine being on a set income and living off your savings and not knowing how long those savings would have to last, and how careful you would have to be with money. As a younger person, it is difficult not to be irritated at the elderly person who insists on using a coupon or getting a price check and it feels like it takes forever while you wait over a small amount of money, but for them, that might be the difference between being able to afford the item or not. While a younger person who is working will likely value time over money and would forego using the coupon in a rush, an older person on a set budget might really need to use a coupon, it is not as if they enjoy standing there wasting time either, and they likely are less comfortable standing there than you are, and are often being treated disrespectfully by younger people.

While some elderly people were cranky or forgetful even when they were young, many symptoms or changes we attribute to aging can often be caused by diseases or conditions or situations that can be relatively easily addressed and can improve the quality of life for the elderly person and for those who care for them.