If you’ve observed a loved one’s mental state decline as they age, you know it’s not an easy process. It can be painful to watch someone you care about struggle with memory loss, confusion, or changes in behavior.
As a psychologist, I often see common patterns in those who are experiencing this decline. It’s not just about forgetting where the keys are; it’s more complex and nuanced than that.
Mental decline isn’t something people choose. It’s a condition that can come with aging, although it varies greatly from person to person.
Understanding these typical behaviors could give you a better perspective on what your loved one is going through. So, let’s delve into the eight behaviors commonly seen in people who are experiencing mental decline as they age.
One behavior I often observe in individuals experiencing mental decline is difficulty with short-term memory. This isn’t merely forgetting where the glasses were left or what was eaten for breakfast. It’s more than that.
For instance, they may struggle to remember recent conversations or events, even if they happened only a few hours ago.
This can be frustrating for them and for those around them, but it’s crucial to remember that this isn’t something they control—it’s a part of the decline they’re experiencing.
This behavior can also lead to emotional distress. The individual might feel anxious or upset about their memory loss, leading to further difficulties in day-to-day life.
It’s important to approach these situations with understanding and patience, as it’s not their fault or a reflection of their character.
Understanding this behavior could help us in providing the right support and care for our loved ones who are going through this challenging phase of life.
While it might seem unexpected, an increase in sociability can actually be a sign of mental decline in some older individuals. This doesn’t mean they’re becoming extroverts overnight, but you might notice a shift in their social habits.
They might begin initiating conversations more often, or perhaps they’ll start attending more social events than they used to. This can seem like a positive change, and in some ways, it is.
Social interaction is beneficial for mental health at any age.
However, this heightened sociability may also be a coping mechanism for confusion or memory loss. They might be seeking comfort or trying to mask their struggles with increased social engagement.
This behavior can sometimes be overlooked since it appears to be positive on the surface. Nevertheless, it’s crucial to consider the context and any accompanying changes in behavior when assessing the mental health of our ageing loved ones.
Sleep isn’t just about rest, it’s closely linked to cognitive function. For older individuals experiencing mental decline, you may notice significant changes in their sleep patterns.
They might sleep far more than usual, or on the contrary, struggle with insomnia. They might also experience unusual sleep schedules, such as napping frequently during the day or waking up at odd hours during the night.
These changes in sleep can affect their mood and energy levels, which in turn can impact their cognitive abilities. Lack of quality sleep can lead to irritability, confusion, and difficulties with memory and concentration.
Though changes in sleep patterns can be part of normal aging, drastic shifts could be a sign of mental decline. It’s important to observe these patterns and provide support where necessary.
One of the more heartrending signs of mental decline is when our loved ones start to lose interest in activities they once enjoyed.
Whether it was gardening, painting, or even just reading the morning paper, these cherished hobbies can suddenly seem burdensome or uninteresting to them.
It’s difficult to watch someone you care about lose their passion for things that once brought them joy. It can make us feel helpless or uncertain about how to help.
But it’s essential to remember that this change doesn’t mean they’re giving up or losing their zest for life. It’s a part of the process they are going through.
Gently encouraging engagement in these activities can sometimes help, but it’s also okay if they choose to step back.
Our role is to support them with love and understanding, reassuring them that their value and worth are not defined by their hobbies or interests.
We’ve all had moments where a word is on the tip of our tongue, but we just can’t seem to retrieve it. For older adults experiencing mental decline, this can become a frequent occurrence.
Conversations might become challenging as they struggle to find the right words or names.
This can lead to awkward moments of silence during chats or even frustration as they grasp at elusive words. It’s not that they’ve forgotten the concept; it’s just that linking the right word to it becomes tough.
While this can be an unnerving sign of mental decline, it’s also a common part of aging that many of us will face. Patience and understanding from those around them can make these moments less stressful and more manageable.
As people age and mental decline sets in, they may start to rely more heavily on others for tasks they used to manage independently. This could be anything from grocery shopping to managing finances or even personal grooming.
For example, I recall an elderly gentleman who once prided himself on his ability to manage his own finances. But over time, he began to struggle with basic tasks like paying bills or balancing his checkbook.
He would become easily confused and overwhelmed, so he gradually started seeking help from his adult children.
This increased dependence can be a tough adjustment, both for the individual experiencing the decline and for their caregivers. However, it’s a sign of the times and an opportunity for us to step up and provide the support they need in this phase of their life.
Change is a part of life and something we all grapple with from time to time. But for those experiencing mental decline, even small changes can become monumental challenges. They might struggle with new routines or get upset when their familiar environment changes.
Let’s be clear here, this isn’t them being stubborn or resistant to progress. It’s the mental decline taking a toll on their ability to process and adapt to new situations.
And while it might be tempting to push them into adapting quickly, this approach can do more harm than good.
Instead, try to introduce changes gradually and provide ample support and reassurance along the way. Patience is key, as is the willingness to understand their perspective and fears.
Perhaps the most significant sign to watch for, and the one that can be the most challenging to handle, is sudden and intense emotional fluctuations. They may swing from joy to sorrow, calmness to irritation, without any apparent reason.
These emotional highs and lows are not just a sign of aging; they are a significant indicator of mental decline. It’s not about them being overly sensitive or unreasonably cranky; it’s their brain’s response to the changes happening within.
This is crucial to remember because how we react to these emotions can drastically affect their well-being.
Staying patient, offering comfort, and responding with empathy can make a world of difference in their emotional stability. It’s a reminder that they’re not alone in this journey, and that their feelings, no matter how fluctuating, are valid and acknowledged.
As we navigate the complexities of aging and mental decline, it’s essential to recognize what truly matters – understanding, patience, and empathy.
This article has aimed to shed light on the behaviors often seen in those experiencing mental decline with age. However, it’s ultimately up to us how we respond and support our loved ones through this journey.
Moments spent with our aging loved ones are precious, even if they’re tinged with challenges. Embrace them, for these are the times that truly count.
Being truly compassionate means having the wisdom not to judge or rush, but to sit alongside them in their journey, offering love and support.
Here’s to fostering a deeper understanding of mental decline and creating a space of acceptance and support for our aging loved ones.
The post People who decline mentally as they get older typically display these 8 behaviors, says a psychologist appeared first on Small Business Bonfire.
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