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Geriatrics & Age Management
Question #14242
11 days ago
31

old age disorders - #14242

Vedant

I am starting to really worried about my dad who’s in his late 70s. He was always very active, but lately I’ve noticed he’s becoming more forgetful and sometimes gets really confused about simple stuff, you know? Like just yesterday, he couldn’t remember where he put his glasses even tho they were on his head, which was kinda funny but also concerning. I hear that old age disorders can sneak up on people, and I just don’t know how to help or if I should be doing something different. He’s also had some joint pain which I thought was just from age but now I’m thinking maybe it’s related to old age disorders or something. Doctor said it could be arthritis but I feel like there's a lot more to it. Am I overthinking this? I keep reading about old age disorders and how they can affect memory, mobility and even mood, and I don’t know if these things can combine. Should I investigate this more or just let it be for now? I’m scared of not catching something serious early enough. What’s the best way to approach this whole situation with him?

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Doctors’ responses

It does sound like your concerns are valid, especially given the changes you’ve noticed in your dad’s memory and his overall behavior. As we age, cognitive changes like forgetfulness can indeed be common, but distinguishing between normal aging and conditions like dementia is important. Memory problems, confusion, and mood changes could suggest an underlying condition such as Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia. It’s a good idea to monitor these symptoms closely and consider discussing them with his primary healthcare provider. They can perform a cognitive evaluation or refer him to a specialist if necessary. Addressing the joint pain, it’s not unusual for older adults to experience arthritis. However, if his pain seems out of the ordinary or excessively limits his mobility, a further investigation could be worthwhile. Managing arthritis often involves a combination of lifestyle modifications, physical therapy, and possibly medication, so seek guidance on pain management and maintaining mobility. Ensure his dietary and lifestyle habits support his joint health, like engaging in low-impact exercises and ensuring adequate vitamin D and calcium intake. Regular check-ups can help catch any serious issues early, as can being alert to more red-flag symptoms like sudden weight loss, coordination problems, or noticeable changes in personality. When in doubt, reaching out to healthcare providers for more extensive evaluation or diagnosis at the early stage can help you provide more proactive care and maintain his quality of life effectively.

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