4 Normal Aging Changes That May Be Symptoms For Something Else

4 Normal Aging Changes That May Be Symptoms For Something Else

As humans age, several changes occur throughout the body. While we know that some of these changes are normal, there are some symptoms that may be a sign of trouble. If you are caring for a loved one who is elderly or suffers from an illness, it may be up to you to recognize alarming symptoms. Here are four changes that can point to a problem:

  1. Rapid Visual Changes: While vision, especially nearsighted vision, gets naturally worse with age, rapid or sudden visual changes can signal a number of problems. For instance, a sudden, temporary loss of vision in one or both eyes can be a sign of impending vision loss or even an impending stroke. Alternatively, large changes in vision can be a sign of uncontrolled diabetes.
  2. Sudden Hearing Loss: Like vision, hearing tends to decrease over time. However, sudden, or even rapid loss of hearing can be a sign of a major problem.
  3. Sudden Loss of Movement: Mobility decreases with age- especially for individuals who are not regularly active. However, a physician should investigate any rapid loss of movement that happens over several days. Also, any drastic, sudden loss of movement may be due to a stroke and should be treated as an emergency.
  4. Memory Loss and Confusion: Memory loss can vary depending on individuals as well as any underlying conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease. As a caretaker, it is important to be aware of your loved one’s memory and their cognitive abilities. If your loved one suffers from a disorder such as Alzheimer’s that affects both cognition and memory, your doctor can advise you on what to expect.

While being a caretaker for a loved one requires plenty of attention and mental strength, it is also important to know that you are not alone. At Sutton In-Home Senior Care, we are here to help. Contact us today to find out how we can ensure that your loved one gets the best care possible.

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