My sister age 86,in assisted living facility can remember things from her childhood etc. but consistantly can't remember things we discuss moments ago and weather of not she showered or what she had to eat today. Is this consisdered short term memory loss or Alzheimer's? We recently spent 10 hours waiting in an ER with her after a fall and she repeated the same questions constantly.
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Q: What is the differance between short term memory and Alzheimer's Disease?
Answers (1)
8/26/09 7:08am
Hi Magdalina,
This could be Alzheimer's, but she would need a diagnosis by a neurologist or some type of doctor qualified to diagnose the disease. They may want to do a brain scan to see why she is having this memory loss. But yes, short term memory loss can be a sign of Alzheimer's disease.
Her medications could also be an issue, so they should be checked in case side effects are causing problems.
There are many kinds of dementia, so diagnosis is good. There are also medications that can delay some of the decline. I'd get her in to see a specialist soon.
Carol
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By Magdalina— Last Modified: 12/25/10, First Published: 08/26/09
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