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.