Why is it that when elderly people are forgetful we think they have dementia but if a young person?

Question

acts the same way it is okay? My daughter has sometimes put the milk in the cereal cupboard. I've done lots of stupid stuff myself. But when an elderly person does it I have to make a note of it "for their own safety". I'm a home support worker. I just try to reassure my clients that everybody can be absent minded from time to time.

Answer 1

Perhaps because not only it is very rare for a young person to actually have dementia but also because to actually say that that younger person has it is too scary to contemplate. But I do not necessarily think that one such occurrence in an older person actually proves anything - at least not until there are more examples. I for one have pealed a banana and throw it in the trash while trying to eat the peal - I was about 19 the first time! (yes, I've done it more than once).

Answer 2

Because in an elderly individual this can often be an early sign of Alzheimers, heart disease (not enough oxygen to brain) or stroke.

Yes you should be making a note. If there's a pattern noted then swift action could save their lives.

Answer 3

You know I think that stress has a lot to do with that too. We sometimes get so busy doing things and thinking about all that we do that that makes us even more absent minded.

Answer 4

People rely too much on what they consider typical behavior, so when someone does something like that they make assumptions. What are you gonna do?

Answer 5

good point, but some people do have dementia or Alzheimer's, my great grandma did, she couldn't remember hardly anything, and my moms great great aunt ((i think)) was so bad off she couldnt remember who her own family were

Answer 6

people are just self absorbed they think just because elderly people are old they are incapable of everything.

Answer 7

I would say that is just common sense

Answer 8

milk in the cupboard, how old is she?