Is Memory Loss Normal in Aging? Helping Older Parent with Memory Loss – Podcast

Many think it’s normal for aging parents to develop memory loss or a very poor short-term memory, but actually it’s not. Geriatrician Leslie Kernisan MD explains why and what to do if your parent is forgetful. #memory #memoryloss #aging

Dr. Kernisan’s book: When Your Aging Parent Needs Help: A Geriatrician's Step-by-Step Guide to Memory Loss, Resistance, Safety Worries, & More

You probably haven't wondered if memory loss is normal or not in an aging parent. Many people feel short-term memory loss is typical, especially in their 80s and 90s.

Getting forgetful as you age is NOT natural. Specifically, it’s not normal aging, if your parent is doing things like:
– Asking the same question repeatedly
– Forgetting what happened recently, like earlier in the day or earlier in the week
– Repeating the same stories or statements

How to help your parent will depend on many things, including:
– Are your parents' habits and abilities improving or decreasing?
– When it comes to memory loss aging, how aware are your parents of it?
– Is their doctor aware of their memory loss, and has your parent been medically evaluated?
– Can their memory loss be treated or reversed?
– Does your parent currently seem to need assistance, to remain safe, healthy, and independent?

Related article: 6 Ways that Memory & Thinking Change with Normal Aging (& What to Do About This)

Video Chapters:
00:00 Helping Older Parent with Memory Loss Podcast.
00:38 Is it normal to have short term memory loss as one gets older?
03:20 What should you do if your aging parent has memory loss?
04:32 Short-term memory loss is NOT a normal part of aging.

If your aging parent is forgetful, repeating himself/herself, or otherwise appears to have short-term memory loss, this is a sign that something is off in their brain function.

Luckily, they have you to keep an eye on their health and well-being and to help ensure that the necessary steps are taken. And we'll be going over more of those options in future episodes.

LEARN – ONLINE COURSES:

Helping Older Parents with Memory Loss:


Dr. K has a special interest in the practical problems families encounter while assisting aging parents, including how to help them age-in-place. She has been running “Helping Older Parents” online courses and group coaching programs since 2018, and is the author of the book “When Your Aging Parent Needs Help: A geriatrician's step-by-step guide to memory loss, resistance, safety worries, and more.”

Dr. K and her team of expert geriatric care managers currently provide ongoing support and guidance to families dealing with memory loss and Alzheimer’s through her latest online course, Helping Older Parents with Memory Loss.

WATCH NEXT:
Episode #2 – 10 Causes of Memory Loss in Old Age

Episode #4 – What are ADLs and IADLs:

Episode #5 – How ADLs and IADLs change in early Alzheimer's:

Episode #6 – 10 Warning Signs of Early Alzheimer's Disease:

Dr. Kernisan's website, podcast, and YouTube channel all provide easy-to-follow instructions on how to deal with common health issues that affect the elderly.

[karenkilba]

My partner, in his mid 60’s is showing signs of dementia. He repeats the same stories over and over, does not remember questions that he previously asked, has become very self absorbed and has problems organizing and planning, yet has no awareness that he does. It is so incredibly frustrating. When I bring it to his attention he gets very defensive and blames it on stress or that he has too many things to do. He has little insight into how he behaves or how the decisions he makes are causing problems. I find I am angry with him so much of the time, at the same time it is very concerning. I also noticed that somethings that rely on long term memory he can do very well and somethings he can remember in the short term and others he can’t, so it is a constant rollercoaster. Recently, he was repairing something and was having difficulty putting it back together, he spent hours and hours trying to figure it out. He usually takes a picture to help remember how things were done but he didn’t remember that he even took the picture. And didn’t think to look that he had taken it. I have learned to intervene sooner. It’s so hard to know at this stage what’s going on but I can’t trust that he will remember agreements or conversations, so it is a constant source of tension. I appreciate your videos and think I will get your book.

[dimpsthealien]

My mom's doctor gave her a brief memory "test" during an exam and she said she has "age related memory loss". That doesn't help my mom or myself, especially as I see the changes in my mom daily. It's scary and the doctors don't really seem to care. I feel so alone.

[Orchidart]

My Dad is 91. And has started doing all you said in this video. He lives with Mum 90 and cares for her with my help and Nusre care for mum. But I am more worried about my Dad forgetting lots. Like we rang him on Christmas day. But received a call the day to say, why we have not heard from you. I reminded him we had spoken but he could not remember. Very worried help please

[cmcer]

I was glad to hear I was normally aging. The information on the tip of my tongue drives me nuts or going upstairs on a mission and then getting there, turning around and going back downstairs looking around where I left that thought is a nuisance, but good exercise. I also saved your book as well as I might be needing it to work with a friend that may really need it.

[h.williams]

Thanks dr. You are appreciated. My mom is going through this as i listen to you. Its rough at times. Mom is a diabetic and now in a rehab from a broken leg also going to dialysis.She see pic on the wall thats not there she even forgot who i was for a bit. Its sad to see this take place, i have started her on vitamin d3, magnesium and zinc. She also has glaucoma. I'll keep praying to our Lord a savior Yeshua. He will guide us to our treatment. I came across your channel 🤔. Appreciate the knowledge. Thanks

[BetterHealthWhileAging]

Video Chapters:
00:00 Helping Older Parent with Memory Loss Podcast.
00:38 Is it normal to have short term memory loss as one gets older?
03:20 What should you do if your aging parent has memory loss?
04:32 Short-term memory loss is NOT a normal part of aging.

[susancampbell]

I wishfound you sooner my partner has passed now. What a journey I went through with no help.
I also have put a neighbour in Dementia ward Age Care. Put him under Gov looking after his money public trust but he continually accuses me of money loss which is so much against my grain it takes everything
I have to forgive him and help him more!
Thank you for your insight that is common

[AncTreat]

This is a very interesting and insightful video! I really like your channel, but I'm coming from not your demographic. I am almost 54 and have MCI and short term memory issues and executive dysfunction. I also have dementia & Alzheimer's in my family, and I have the gene for predisposition.

Your channel is repeatedly helpful to me across your videos, and I'm happy to subscribe to your channel. Thanks!

[marilouremo]

What diet would help against aneurysm & prevent brain problems

[gpplumbingelectricalservic]

My dad started seeing things and saying wired things he is 86 yrs old this happened for 2 days now for 2 days he is quite could this be early sign of Dermentia or the Norflex tablet he took for pain. Should we just monitor him I don't know need your advice please best regards Victor

[scottmeans]

I'm 81 and i'm sort of diagnosing my own short term 😮memory loss.

I have discussed it with my long term Dr and (wife), who spent time with me and concluded my loss was normal for my age. I'm in good health otherwise doing well for my age.

But my loss seems to be accelerateing? Any suggestions on what to do.

[gdgd]

My mother losses her memory during normal day suddenly.when she is eating, (for example) she is looking around and her face looks different and her mouth chews something. Then she don’t know what she was doing before and even she don’t know to eat it again and she simply taking the food and keeping it aside.. first it was monthly once now we are seeing it weekly .. pls help

[stephanielane]

Your going to experience these things too 👍 a lot of these thing's occur with any age group depending on what's happening in your life

[stephanielane]

How can we judge, so many things to consider at any age, and pigeon holing people especially older people is just that Judging

[mikewilliams]

So this is just about promoting a product?