BODY SIGNAL ALERT/CONFUSION THAT DEVELOPS SLOWLY: DESCRIPTION AND POSSIBLE MEDICAL PROBLEMS
When an elderly relative begins to show signs of confusion and memory loss and the incidents are few and far between, both you and your relative are likely to chalk it up to the aging process and its insidious, mysterious ways. Most of the time, this is exactly what it is.
However, as with what happens when an elderly person suddenly becomes confused (see “Confusion, Acute” above), when other symptoms appear in addition to the confusion, an underlying disease may be responsible.
Some of these other symptoms may include difficulty in doing tasks that were once considered to be simple; frequently becoming lost and disoriented; a failing memory; and poor hygiene. The elderly person may also undergo personality changes and become increasingly aggressive and/or depressed.
When a parent or other elderly relative becomes increasingly confused over a period of time, many people automatically jump to the conclusion that Alzheimer’s disease is setting in. Contrary to popular belief, Alzheimer’s disease is actually a rare illness, and when it does occur, it’s not always severe. In fact, many Alzheimer’s patients have just a mild case of the disease with some memory loss, or else they may just have some trouble working with numbers and figuring out their checkbook balances. As the disease becomes more severe, however, a person with Alzheimer’s disease will start to have trouble with her daily routine. At this point, the family will need to consult a doctor and local health agencies to place companions and workers in the home, since the person’s safety becomes an issue. However, no matter whether the disease is mild or severe, people with Alzheimer’s disease are very aware of their problem and are usually very depressed. Many work hard to hide their confusion and memory loss from their doctor and family. In the advanced stages of Alzheimer’s disease, the person will need total care, and placement in a nursing home is usually necessary.
Unfortunately, at this time, there is no known cause and no cure for Alzheimer’s disease. Some researchers speculate that it might be due to genetics, while others feel that the environment and the food we eat may play a role. Before making a positive diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, however, a doctor will first look for an underlying disease, such as a vitamin deficiency or thyroid disorder, that might be causing the confusion and memory loss.
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