Common Reasons for Cognitive Issues in the Elderly

Taking care of a senior citizen in your family can be difficult. One of the things that you and their elder care providers may need to deal with when caring for your elderly loved one is their cognitive issues. The first thing to learn about these issues is what causes them.

While there is not just one exact cause and sometimes the cause can be tricky to find, the reasons mentioned below are the most common and elder care aides can assist.

Medication Reactions

Elder Care Midland Park NJ – Common Reasons for Cognitive Issues in the Elderly

One of the reasons why your elderly loved one might experience cognitive issues is due to medication reactions. Is your elderly loved one taking a new medication? If so, that medication could be causing memory loss or lack of focus. It may also be that the new medication is negatively interacting with the medication that your elderly loved one was already taking. Either way, if they recently started a new medication and now are experiencing cognitive issues, it is worth you or an elder care provider taking them to the doctor. Let the doctor know what is happening. They may need to switch the medication.

Emotional Problems

Another reason why your elderly loved one might be experiencing memory loss, slowed responses, or other cognitive issues is because of emotional problems. Have you recently noticed that your elderly loved one is anxious? Maybe, you go to their house and they seem worked up about something every time. If this is happening, it could very well be the cause of their cognitive decline. You may need to have your elderly loved one see a doctor or therapist. They may also just need company. If that is the case, don’t hesitate to have an elder care provider come over regularly.

Other Changes

There may be some other things that are causing the cognitive issues in your elderly loved one. Some of these issues may include blood sugar or blood sodium level changes. Other reasons for these changes might include dehydration and anemia. Any one of these health problems could lead to cognitive decline. If you suspect that one of these issues could be the cause or you aren’t sure what is causing their cognitive issues, have them see a doctor. The doctor can do tests to see what the problem is. Then, they can hopefully offer treatment to remedy the issue.

These are some of the top reasons for cognitive problems in the elderly. If your elderly loved one is experiencing any cognitive decline now or in the future, these may be cause. If you aren’t sure what is happening, make sure to have you or an elder care provider take your elderly loved one to the doctor to be checked out.

Sources: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/risks-cognitive-health

If you or a senior family member are considering hiring Elder Care Services in Midland Park NJ, please contact the caring staff at Caring Solutions Home Care LLC. In-home senior care servicing Bergen & Passaic Counties. Call today at (973) 427-3553.