Forgetfulness vs. dementia
Neither forgetfulness, nor MCI, nor dementia can be fully prevented, but you can take steps to keep your memory and cells healthy.
Do you write yourself notes to remember to take your wallet, keys, coat and cellphone? How often do you forget one of the items? Does this mean you are getting dementia?
Forgetfulness can be a normal part of aging, but forgetting something every now and then does not impact your quality of life.
Dementia includes the loss of cognitive functioning — thinking, remembering, learning and reasoning — and behavioral abilities. These situations interfere with your quality of life and activities.
Here are sample situations that can help you understand the difference between normal forgetfulness and dementia.
Forgetfulness can be part of aging; typically, when you forget something, it’s because you are distracted or not focused on the moment.
Dementia is a medical condition and is related to cells dying off and not regenerating. Factors such as lifestyle, poor diet, stress and environmental issues such as pollution can contribute to cells dying off faster and to the onset of dementia.
Some older people may experience mild cognitive impairment (MCI). These people often have more memory or cognitive issues than other people their age, but they are still able to manage their activities.
MCI may be an early sign of Alzheimer’s disease, but not everyone with MCI will develop Alzheimer’s.
Neither forgetfulness, nor MCI, nor dementia can be fully prevented, but you can take steps to keep your memory and cells healthy.
One of the most important ways you can practice self-care is to address hearing
loss early.
Those with hearing loss often expend more energy than they should to follow a conversation. The shift in energy expended when trying to hear, occurring over an extended period, can contribute to a loss in cognitive function.
Getting your hearing checked frequently can help keep your brain healthy.
Memory may also be affected by medical conditions such as depression or blood clots, head injuries, or thyroid, kidney or liver problems.
Some medications may also cause memory issues, as can drug and alcohol use,
sleep disorders and low levels of vitamins, such as B12.
Talk to your doctor if you feel one of these challenges may be causing your memory issues.
It is important as you age to keep your mind and cells limber by:
• Making healthy dietary choices
• Limiting or eliminating alcohol
consumption
• If you smoke, stopping, and avoiding secondhand smoke
• Staying active — both physically and
mentally
‒ Follow a healthy exercise plan.
‒ Learn new skills, such as playing word games, puzzles or cards games.
‒ Follow a daily routine and establish a
purpose or reason to get out of bed
each day.
‒ Put important items such as keys, purse, phone and coat in the same place each day.
Avoid falling for scam products and/or services that claim they will help your memory or prevent dementia or Alzheimer’s. There is no medical evidence that any pill, supplement or special treatment will do this. Some of these products or services can be unsafe, a waste of money or both. PJC
Jeffrey Weinberg, M.ED, M. PH, NHA, is president of Caregiver Champion, LLC, and author of “The Emperor Needs New Clothes Or Why The Caring Disappeared from Health Care.” If you or someone you love is dealing with dementia, you can contact Caregiver Champion at 412-952-6944 for assistance.
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