Dementia vs Forgeting
Over the past five years, I have lost two friends to early-onset Alzheimer's and I just lost a cousin to the same illness last night. He started forgetting things a few years ago and rapidly went downhill. At first, we thought he had Dementia. Dementia is a term used to describe a decline in cognitive function that interferes with a person’s daily life. It can involve problems with memory, language, thinking, and judgment. Some common signs of dementia may include:
- Frequent forgetfulness, such as forgetting important events or people in one’s own life
- Difficulty with familiar tasks, such as preparing meals or paying bills
- Confusion about time, place, or person
- Changes in mood or behaviour, such as increased agitation or apathy
- Difficulty with language, such as trouble finding the right words or understanding what is being said
It's difficult to distinguish between normal age-related changes in memory and early signs of dementia. Some common signs of age-related memory changes include:
- Difficulty remembering newly learned information or names
- Occasional forgetfulness, such as misplacing keys or forgetting a word or phrase
- Taking longer to complete tasks that require memory
We consider these changes a normal part of the aging process and understand they do not indicate dementia. So, what can we do to help ourselves or our loved ones stay focused?
- Engage in physical activity. Take a daily walk, join an exercise class, and do some yoga.
- Socialize often. Join the local senior center or book club.
- Get plenty of sleep.
- Stay mentally active. Read, text your grandkids, and use the computer for brain-training games.
- Do mind stimulating activities such as crossword puzzles, playing scrabble, or sudoku (the popular number game)
- Eat a healthy diet.
- Plant a garden.
- Sign up for a class such as painting, music, or whatever you might be interested in.
- Follow a daily routine.
- Put your items, such as your wallet, keys, and purse in the same place every day.
If you have concerns about memory changes or other cognitive issues in yourself or a loved one, it’s important to speak with a healthcare professional for a proper evaluation and guidance on potential causes and treatment option sooner rather than later.
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