Brain Health Memory Lane
“I’m only 61 years old, but I am troubled by the fact that I do not remember names as well as I used to nor do I always know where I left my keys. Should I be worried about Alzheimer’s? ”
Dear Can’t Find My Keys,
Thank you for sharing your concerns with me. This kind of inquiry is common since the brain does change as we get older. When there is no underlying medical condition causing this forgetfulness, it is known as "age-associated memory impairment," which is considered a part of the normal aging process. If you have any concerns, it’s important to address these questions with your doctor.
In my experience, the real fear stems from the question, “Should I be concerned about Alzheimers?” Below is a comparison of normal aging vs. when there is cause for concern about Alzheimer’s. For example, losing your keys from time to time is normal aging, but not knowing what your keys are for is a symptom you should see your doctor about. For more information on memory as it relates to Alzheimer’s, other related medical conditions, and possible emotional problems, check out this link: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/do-memory-problems-always-mean-alzheimers-disease.
| Normal Aging | Alzheimer's Disease |
|---|---|
| Making a bad decision once in a while | Making poor judgments and decisions a lot of the time |
| Missing a monthly payment | Problems taking care of monthly bills |
| Forgetting which day it is and remembering it later |
Losing track of the date or time of year |
| Sometimes forgetting which word to use | Trouble having a conversation (Forgetting common words when speaking) |
| Losing things from time to time | Misplacing things often and being unable to find them |
| Getting lost in the place you are not familiar with | Getting lost while walking or driving in a familiar area |
If you're worried about memory loss, please speak with your doctor. There are tests to determine the degree of memory impairment and diagnose the cause. Many medical problems, such as medications, stress, and vitamin B-12 deficiency, can cause memory loss or other dementia-like symptoms. Most of these conditions can be treated. Your doctor can screen you for conditions that cause reversible memory impairment. For more information, please have a look at https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alzheimers-disease/in-depth/memory-loss/art-20046326
One example of a trusted resource on Alzheimers is: www.alz.org
More resources you might want to look at:
Normal Aging vs. Dementia https://alzheimer.ca/en/Home/About-dementia/What-is-dementia/Normal-aging-vs-dementia
Things Forgotten: Simple Lapse or Serious Problem? https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2010/02/things-forgotten