If you or your loved one are experiencing changes in your memory, mood or ability to manage, don’t worry alone. Take the next step and do something about it.
About Memory loss
Everyone can be forgetful, struggle to put a name to a face or remember where the car is parked. Mild changes in memory naturally occur due to age.
However, there are some changes that are not minor and are not an ordinary part of aging. There are a number of possible reasons for changes in memory and there may be a straightforward explanation for what you are experiencing.
Possible reasons for forgetfulness and confusion include
:
Anxiety and stress, particularly following a bereavement
Depression
An infection such as a chest or bladder infection
Thyroid disorders
Vitamin deficiency
Side effects of some medications
Long term overuse of alcohol
Conditions such as mild cognitive impairment or a stroke
Dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease.
Understanding early signs
Dementia is a term that is used to describe a number of conditions that cause damage to the brain. This damage generally happens over time and will have a gradual impact on a person’s ability to remember and to manage everyday life.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common and well-known type of dementia. Other types of dementia include Vascular dementia, Lewybodies dementia and Frontotemporal dementia. The early signs and symptoms of dementia may vary from person to person, and each type of dementia can have particular symptoms or characteristics linked to it. However, some general early signs and symptoms include:
Memory loss, particularly for recent events
Problems with language, difficulty finding the right word
Changes in mood and behaviour
Becoming confused in familiar surroundings or situations
Difficulty in following conversations, TV programmes or reading
Difficulty managing money and everyday tasks
Difficulty solving problems or doing puzzles
Loss of interest in hobbies and pastimes
Repeating a question or story several times without realising
Most people will experience a number of these signs and will find that they are having increasing difficulty over time. In general, signs and symptoms emerge gradually.
The Alzheimer Society of Ireland is the leading provider of dementia-specific services in Ireland.
Our services operate using the philosophy of person centred care - where the person with dementia and their carer is placed at the centre of the care service, respecting the rights of the person with dementia, so that they are actively involved in making any decisions about their care.
Day Care Centres
Our Day Care Centres provide dementia-specific, person centred care in a warm, welcoming and safe environment.
Home Care
Our trained care workers offer dementia-specific, person centred care in your home. We work to meet your individual needs as far as possible.
Support Groups
We facilitate support groups for family carers around Ireland, providing a safe and relaxing place to meet others and share experierences.
Respite Care
We operate two national respite centres in Ireland, The Orchard in Blackrock, Co Dublin and Waterman’s Lodge in Killaloe/Ballina on the Tipperary, Clare and Limerick border.
Social Clubs
Our Social Clubs are for people with dementia and their family, friends or carers. The Club is a weekly social gathering where people can drop in to chat, access information and support, meet other people as well as to exchange ideas and experiences.
The Alzheimer National Helpline Service - Freephone 1800 341 341
If you are a person with dementia, are caring for someone with dementia, or are concerned about your own or a loved ones memory why not call someone who understands.
The Longford Branch office hours are 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.. Service include homecare, daycare mon-Fri Sat daycare and respite care. Further details Tel 043 33 47221/3348402 or 086 3802183.
Subscribe or register today to discover more from DonegalLive.ie
Buy the e-paper of the Donegal Democrat, Donegal People's Press, Donegal Post and Inish Times here for instant access to Donegal's premier news titles.
Keep up with the latest news from Donegal with our daily newsletter featuring the most important stories of the day delivered to your inbox every evening at 5pm.