Is there one phrase which is true of every person with dementia and every person who lost their keys, forgot a name or used poor judgement and fears they might be developing dementia?
One phrase?
Everyone is different.
Everyone. Is. Different.
Dr. Bill Thomas, the founder of The Eden Alternative, said, “If you’ve met one person with dementia, you’ve met one person with dementia.” His premise remains that although there are similarities and trends among symptoms, every case manifests differently. This is also true of those worrying they might be exhibiting memory lapses.
Memory
Changes in memory are probably the most concerning symptoms. This is especially true if a few instances occur in a row. We may not tell anyone, but deep in our souls, a spectre of fear arises. Or we tell others and laugh about it, hoping they will assure us they experience the same issues.
Anyone Can Forget
People forget at any age, for a variety of reasons. Here are just a few:
- certain medications can cause a “brain fog”
- stress (work, marriage, family health–you name it) can cause us to lose focus
- grief is stress times 100 and takes months and years to recover from
- a new issue–isolation, boredom, worry related to the pandemic can cause “covid-brain”
These kinds of issues, although they may be limited to a period of time, can be intense and lead to increased forgetfulness.
Age-Related Memory Loss
“The hippocampus, a region of the brain involved in the formation and retrieval of memories, often deteriorates with age. Hormones and proteins that protect and repair brain cells and stimulate neural growth also decline with age. Older people often experience decreased blood flow to the brain, which can impair memory and lead to changes in cognitive skills.” 1
Activities of Daily Living
Professionals who deal with dementia speak about ADLs or activities of daily living. These include eating, bathing, toileting, dressing and transferring. Although cognitive decline can be involved in this, older people who need help in some of these areas may be experiencing a primarily physical decline.
Instrumental Activities of Daily Living
However, instrumental activities of daily living are more complex, and difficulty with these might indicate more severe memory problems. They require more complex planning and thinking. These include activities such as:
- using the phone
- managing medications
- shopping for and preparing meals
- managing money
- keeping house and paying bills
- getting around either by car or public transportation.
Difficulty with these can indicate cognitive loss and the need for more support.
Evaluation by a Doctor is Key
Perhaps the fears and worries you felt are receding. It’s “only” age-related memory loss and you can stop worrying. Definitely you can, as worry is counterproductive. But you need to schedule an appointment with your doctor. Discuss your concerns with them. Some symptoms can be related to other conditions, medication-related or need medication to treat them. Your doctor may have nutrition or lifestyle suggestions. Whatever the outcome, your physician should be made aware.
Next week: When should I be concerned about myself or someone else? A look at problem-solving/judgement, orientation and mood.
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- www.helpguide.org