As your parents get older, simple moments of absentmindedness — such as your mom misplacing her favorite necklace — can make you worry. The trick is sorting out the normal signs of aging from the early symptoms of disease.
It's only natural for older adults to sometimes take a bit longer to recall memories. You don't need to worry about occasional forgetfulness unless it significantly increases in frequency, or your parent starts to struggle with routine tasks.
Here's how to tell the difference — and what you can do to help your parents stay sharp.
Staying engaged
Encourage your parents to participate in activities that give their brains a workout. They can keep up mental agility by learning a new hobby, volunteering at a hospital or simply reading a thought-provoking book.
Looking for changes
It can be tough to figure out if your parents are having a problem — especially if you don't live in the same town. To get a more complete picture, stay in contact with the people who see your parents on a regular basis. Neighbors, friends and family members can help to detect behavioral changes early.
Starting an honest dialogue
Make it a point to ask your parents how they're doing and whether they've been having any problems. Sometimes, older adults try to hide things they're struggling with because they're ashamed or don't want to burden their children. When you bring up the topic, it makes it easier for them to open up.
Getting help when it's serious
If your parents start to exhibit serious warning signs — generally, things that affect their ability to go about their daily life — seek out medical help right away. Your parents' physician can help you sort out what's causing the problem and assist you in outlining a plan of action.
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