Forgetfulness and older adults: concept analysis

Abstract

Title. Forgetfulness and older adults: concept analysis. Aim. This paper is a report of an analysis of the concept of forgetfulness as it applies to older adults. Background. Perceived increases in forgetfulness cause much distress for older adults due to the stigma associated with memory loss and dementia. The difference between forgetfulness in a healthy ageing state and memory loss associated with cognitive impairment requires clarification for nurses involved in screening and caring for older adults. Data sources. Literature for this concept analysis was obtained by searches of CINAHL, EMBASE and Internurse covering the years 1962-2009, as well as gerontology textbooks. Review methods. The evolutionary method of Rodgers was the framework for the concept analysis. Results. As we age there is a slight increase in occasions of forgetfulness (particularly remembering to do things in the near future) that can be offset by limiting distractions and enhancing focus. This is contrasted with forgetfulness patterns, also more likely as we age, that are indicative of disease processes. Older adults' awareness of their own forgetfulness has the potential to cause fear, embarrassment, anger and/or low self-esteem. Conclusion. It is important to avoid labelling or dismissal of concerns related to forgetfulness in older adults. Further research, with an emphasis on the choice of assessment tool, is recommended to investigate the benefits of nurse-led population screening for memory deficits in older adults. Nurses require training in assessment of memory and access to adequate referral pathways if abnormal results are uncovered.

Older adults’ perceptions of weakness and ageing

“…Both community recruiters and researchers who collected the data did informal screening. Community recruiters were able to identify patterns of forgetfulness because of their frequent contact with the participants (Ballard, 2010) while researchers screened participant recall and decision‐making when they made a telephone call to set‐up an interview time (Kuther, 1999; Mayo & Wallhagen, 2009).…”

Neuroplasticity and Successful Cognitive Aging

“…Many patients express concerns about their mental abilities as they grow older; likewise, some may voice cognitive complaints in certain cognitive domains such as memory, attention, and/or reasoning. Such concerns and complaints should be documented given that these may be benign such as vitamin B12 (cobalamin) deficiency (Ballard, 2010; Tangney, Tang, Evans, & Morris, 2009) which can be easily corrected or be an indication of something more serious such as dementia. Obviously, monitoring cognition and possible progression of cognitive decline should be documented in case a referral is needed (Vance, Farr, & Struzick, 2008).…”

“…Studies show that such normal age-related cognitive declines, even in the absence of dementia or Mild Cognitive Impairment, can impair the accuracy and speed in which instrumental activities of daily living are performed (Edwards et al, 2005; McGuire, Ford, & Ajani, 2006); even subtle declines can reduce independence, autonomy, and life satisfaction (Ballard, 2010). Given that there will be 54 million adults 65 years and older in the United States by 2020 (United States Census Bureau, Population Division, 2005), it is important to understand how to facilitate successful cognitive aging in this growing population in order to facilitate successful aging in general.…”

Identification of Small Molecule Memapsin Inhibitors via Computation-based Virtual Screening

“…At present only symptomatic treatments with modest effectiveness are available. Even in the absence of a diagnosable disorder of cognition, the perception of increased forgetfulness and declining memory function is a clear source of sorrow, embarrassment, and low self respect in the elderly [2][3][4]. AD, is caused by the formation of neuritic plaques in the brain and neurofibrillary tangles in the nerves.…”