Sometimes, the problem can be treated, and cognition improves. Memory and other thinking problems have many possible causes, including depression, an infection, or medication side effects. Your doctor may also recommend you see a neurologist, a doctor who specializes in treating diseases of the brain and nervous system. You may also wish to talk with your doctor about opportunities to participate in research on cognitive health and aging.Īt your doctor visit, he or she can perform tests and assessments, which may include a brain scan, to help determine the source of memory problems. He or she may suggest a thorough checkup to see what might be causing the symptoms. If you, a family member, or friend has problems remembering recent events or thinking clearly, talk with a doctor. The chart below explains some differences between normal signs of aging and Alzheimer's. While there are different forms of dementia, Alzheimer's disease is the most common form in people over age 65. People with dementia may also have problems with language skills, visual perception, or paying attention. Memory loss, though common, is not the only sign of dementia. It includes the loss of cognitive functioning - thinking, remembering, learning, and reasoning - and behavioral abilities to the extent that it interferes with a person's quality of life and activities. Dementia and aging Read and share this infographic to learn whether forgetfulness is a normal part of aging.ĭementia is not a normal part of aging. There may be habits and behaviors you can change and activities you can do to help you maintain memory and thinking skills. If you have MCI, visit your doctor every six to 12 months to track changes in memory and other thinking skills over time. Having more trouble coming up with desired words than other people of the same age.Forgetting to go to important events or appointments.MCI may be an early sign of Alzheimer's disease, but not everyone with MCI will develop Alzheimer's. People with MCI can usually take care of themselves and do their normal activities. Some older adults have a condition called mild cognitive impairment, or MCI, meaning they have more memory or other thinking problems than other people their age. Get help if you feel depressed for weeks at a time.Prevent or control high blood pressure.Get enough sleep, generally seven to eight hours each night.Volunteer in your community, at a school, or at your place of worship.*.Stay involved in activities that can help both the mind and body.Put your wallet or purse, keys, phone, and glasses in the same place each day.Plan tasks, make to-do lists, and use memory tools such as calendars and notes.People with some forgetfulness can use a variety of techniques that may help them stay healthy and deal with changes in their memory and mental skills. Not taking care of oneself -eating poorly, not bathing, or behaving unsafely.Becoming more confused about time, people, and places.Having trouble following recipes or directions.Getting lost in places a person knows well.Asking the same questions over and over again.Signs that it might be time to talk to a doctor include: Talk with your doctor to determine whether memory and other cognitive problems, such as the ability to clearly think and learn, are normal and what may be causing them. What's the difference between normal, age-related forgetfulness and a serious memory problem? It's normal to forget things once in a while as we age, but serious memory problems make it hard to do everyday things like driving, using the phone, and finding your way home. What's normal forgetfulness and what's not? These changes are usually signs of mild forgetfulness - often a normal part of aging - not serious memory problems. For example, they might be concerned about taking longer than before to learn new things, or they may sometimes forget to pay a bill. Many older adults worry about their memory and other thinking abilities.
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