Many people worry about their memory as they age. Most of us will experience some slowing of our thought processes as a part of growing older. The good news is that we all get wiser as we age and continue to learn from our experiences. Rather than worry, what should you do if you are concerned about your memory? Here are 6 steps to take in identifying dementia:
Step 1: Identify Your Concerns
Identify what you are worried about. There are many aspects of the normal aging brain that are not dementia. It is normal to misplace keys, forget names of new people you meet and generally slow down with your word finding. Write down what is concerning to you.
Step 2: Talk to a Loved One
Talk to a spouse, close friend, or family member and ask – “Are you worried about my memory?” Write down what they have noticed.
Step 3: Identify Recent Stressors
Think about your life for the past 6 -12 months. Are there any stressors? Deaths, moves, retirement, changes in finances or responsibilities can contribute to your mood, coping and impact memory. Write down any changes.
Step 4: List What You’re Taking
Make a detailed list of the medicines, vitamins, and pills that you take. Include anything you take to manage allergies, pain, etc; not just the ones your health care providers prescribe.
Step 5: Make An Appointment
Make an appointment with your primary care practitioner to discuss your memory – bring the information from steps 1-4 for their review. Your practitioner may perform some memory tests and a physical examination. Based on this assessment and review of your medical issues and medications, they may order labs or brain imaging to determine if there are any other reasons for what you are noticing. Some primary care providers may feel confident in diagnosing and evaluating memory loss, others may refer you to a specialist for the initial evaluation or for more detailed testing. Neurologists, neuropsychologists, geriatricians and psychiatrists are common specialists involved in the evaluation of memory loss. Who you see may depend on the resources in your community, the information you have given to your primary provider, and finding on the initial evaluation. Repeating memory testing after 6-12 months may also be necessary and reassuring.
Step 6: Exercise Your Brain and Body
Regardless of the results of #5, it is important to stay active cognitively (puzzles, reading, word searches, crosswords, Sudoku, etc.), socially (talking, listening to music, book clubs, etc.) and physically (ideally 150 min per week, broken up however works for you – 30 min 5 times/week or in shorter 10 minute sessions) to maintain and support brain and physical health. Staying active is better than any drug currently available. Do talk with your doctor before starting a new physical exercise program.
For more information about dementia and other types of memory loss, the Alzheimer’s Association has much detailed information at: http://www.alz.org/
Resources
Local areas agency on aging also provide support to older adults and their caregivers. They also provide options for staying active in your local community so you can stay active:
- Maine Association of Areas Agencies on Aging: http://maine4a.org/
- Aroostook Area Agency on Aging (Presque Isle): http://www.aroostookaging.org
- Eastern Area Agency on Aging (Bangor): http://www.eaaa.org
- Seniors Plus (Lewiston): http://www.seniorsplus.org
- Southern Maine Agency on Aging: http://www.smaaa.org
- Spectrum Generations: http://spectrumgenerations.org
Local churches, town parks, and recreation departments are also wonderful resources for staying active and connecting with local offerings.
Related post: Getting to the Root of Dementia
About the Author
Heidi R. Wierman, M.D.
