Behavior Changes in Seniors: When to Be Concerned
If you have parents or other loved ones who are entering their golden years, it's natural to be concerned about their cognitive health. After all, California has the highest number of people with dementia of any state in the country. According to the LA Times, an estimated 720,000 people in California have dementia, and this is likely to continue rising.
If you have noticed behavior changes in your loved one, you may worry that this means they are experiencing cognitive decline. While this may be the case, not all behavior changes are caused by dementia or other memory problems.
In this post, we will break down normal personality changes in seniors that are not concerning and those that could be dementia symptoms.
Normal Behavior Changes in Seniors
At all stages of our lives, our personalities and behaviors are not fixed. This is true of seniors, whose behavior may be a natural response to their changing bodies and circumstances.
Occasional Mood Swings
Stress and frustration about physical limitations can understandably lead to shifting moods. An occasional bout of sadness or frustration does not necessarily mean your loved one is experiencing cognitive decline.
Wanting to Be Alone
Seniors may grow more comfortable in their own company. They may prefer quiet times spent alone and not always be in the mood for social events. This may indicate a change in their preferences rather than a concerning personality change.
An article published in the International Journal of Behavioral Development states that seniors may experience solitude "less negatively than younger adults."
However, it is important to note that this is different from a complete withdrawal from social interactions. This could be a more concerning sign that we will discuss later.
Changes in Interests
It's possible that an older family member may go from being an avid chess player to having no interest in the game. Or, whereas they were once dedicated globetrotters, they now like nothing better than staying in California year-round. This could just be a sign of changing interests, not cognitive decline.
If your loved one continues to have interests and develop new ones, do not be overly concerned. Accept that these changes are part of aging and are not necessarily linked with worsening mental health.
Changes in Decision Making
Seniors often take longer to make decisions. Small decisions, such as relatively small purchases, could take on more significance. Also, they may think more carefully about their personal safety before making decisions.
This can be a reflection of the fact that they may have less buying power than they had when they were younger. Also, as our bodies age and become less robust, it is natural to be more concerned about staying safe.
While these behavior changes may not be red flags for more serious conditions, other changes may signal deeper concerns related to aging and mental health.
Concerning Behavior Changes
Dementia and other forms of cognitive decline are not an inevitable part of growing older. However, it is important to be aware of personality changes in seniors that require medical attention and possibly memory care support.
Aggressive or Agitated Behavior
Uncharacteristic aggression, anger, or hostility in a senior could indicate they are suffering from cognitive decline. Sadly, aggressive behavior puts the safety of the older person and others at risk. Therefore, it is vital to seek medical advice as soon as possible.
Agitation can also be a sign of dementia or other memory issue. According to the Alzheimer's Association, people with Alzheimer's disease may:
- Feel anxious
- Become restless
- Get upset in specific situations
Extreme Social Withdrawal
If your loved one refuses to see you or avoids family members entirely, mental health challenges may be the cause. Depression and early dementia symptoms can both cause these types of personality changes. Although it can be challenging to encourage them to interact with others, try to arrange medical attention as soon as possible.
Unusual Behavior
Some people who are struggling with cognitive decline may begin acting in very uncharacteristic ways. For example, someone who was formerly polite and reserved may become boisterous and make rude comments.
Some people with cognitive decline may act in a sexually inappropriate way or make provocative comments. Others may cut in line or even take food from other people's plates. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical advice and support.
Paranoia and Delusions
According to the Memory and Aging Center at the Weill Institute for Neurosciences, people with dementia may develop the following delusions:
- Their partner is cheating on them
- Someone is stealing from them
- Someone is targeting them
Additionally, others may experience hallucinations, develop false beliefs, or sense things that are not really there. In people with dementia, these beliefs are sincerely held, and it is not possible to reason with them. Instead, try to neither endorse nor deny the statement and seek support from a qualified doctor.
Is It Time for Memory Care Support?
If your loved one has received a diagnosis of dementia or another memory condition, your family must weigh up the best options for their care. Memory care communities in California are often the right choice.
They provide personalized memory care support, including:
- Personal care
- 24/7 support from trained caretakers
- Nutritious and tasty meals and snacks
- Family education and support
- Memory care based on the latest research
Seniors in memory care communities enjoy a healthy and stimulating environment. Every day is filled with enjoyable activities that help to keep their minds and bodies active. Families have the reassurance of knowing their loved one is never alone and always has the support they need.
Choose Loma Clara Senior Living Memory Care Community
Behavior changes can be a normal part of getting older. But if your loved one has been diagnosed with a memory condition, it's time to choose Loma Clara.
Our memory care community in the heart of Morgan Hill, CA, puts the individual at the center of everything we do. We celebrate our residents' abilities while providing the tailored support they need.
Learn more about our amenities and schedule a tour today!