Early dementia or just part of aging

Posted by cosynook @cosynook, Mar 3 8:43am

Hi! I’m 76 and have worried for years about getting dementia because many of the women in my mother’s family suffered from this. Since childhood I’ve always had what I describe as “ADD concerns” but never had a formal diagnosis. As an adult I considered this but never moved on it because as my husband always said “ Why? You multitask, never miss appointments or get confused driving etc.” But internally I knew I faked a lot. Now I can’t fake things. Now it’s noticeable as I have obvious difficulty remembering /retelling programs/ movies I watched the night before, spelling when I’ve always was a good speller and especially word recall…..I know what I want to use but just can’t recall it . How do I know what’s just an “ aging “ thing or signs of dementia? Does anyone have input or can direct me what to read about this. Thank you all!

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Aging Well Support Group.

Pondering Hobbit | @pondering | Mar 4 10:56am

And here's an article from the same source about normal aging vs dementia...
https://alzheimer.ca/en/about-dementia/do-i-have-dementia/differences-between-normal-aging-dementia

nycmusic | @nycmusic | Mar 4 11:07am

Question…can mini strokes cause some memory loss ?

Scott R L | @scottrl | Mar 4 12:10pm

In reply to @nycmusic "Question…can mini strokes cause some memory loss ?" + (show)

@nycmusic (The moderators may move this to a new discussion.)
Yes, it is possible.
A quick internet search will show several good articles. Here's one:
https://www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/t/tia-related-memory-loss.html

nycmusic | @nycmusic | Mar 4 2:18pm

In reply to @scottrl "@nycmusic (The moderators may move this to a new discussion.) Yes, it is possible. A quick..." + (show)

@scottrl Thanks ! I will read them. I think quite a few people may have experienced the minis without realizing it…but thorough medical testing can sort that out from Alzheimer’s.

Scott R L | @scottrl | Mar 4 4:06pm

In reply to @nycmusic "@scottrl Thanks ! I will read them. I think quite a few people may have experienced..." + (show)

@nycmusic I belong to a stroke support group. Several members learned that they had had TIAs (Temporary Ischemic Attacks) prior to their actual stroke.

I wondered whether I had, but my post-stroke MRI didn't show evidence of any.

You may find my YouTube channel about my stroke experience helpful.
"From Recovery to Discovery":
https://www.youtube.com/@srlucado/videos

margaretfriel | @margaretfriel | Mar 4 4:46pm

In reply to @lacy2 "@celia16 ...yes we appreciate what we have, to an extent..whats the old saying I forget exactly:..." + (show)

@lacy2
Celia16 ... you sound like a fairly normal Senior. A few years ago when I was a little busier than now ... as I was rushing @ to get things done & make all my appointments & Meetings it Suddenly Occurred to me ... 'I'm Suffering From Activity & Information Overload! Slow Down & Enjoy Life a little more.'
If you give a few minutes to reminiscing ALL the important, Unimportant, & trivial things you've stored up there in your cranial storage bank, IT'S NO WONDER as Seniors we slow down or get a little confused from time to time. I call it "Information Overload".
As Seniors we've walked Life's paths, climbed Life's hills, weathered Life's Storms, & dealt with Life's challenges! Lest you have doubts about what's going on in your life right now, do a little 'networking' with friends whom you Trust, ask Them if they see bits & pieces of you diminishing.
Then Start looking for "feel Good" things to see, & do, & think about ... read a good book ... Listen to your favorite genera of music ... engage in blogs like this one ... network with friends ... buy yourself a New Hat... line up little tasks @ your living quarters, Call an old friend & 'have a nice Stroll down Memory Lane', think about doing something you've Always wanted to do, then check-out to see if you can Still Do It! It'll give you Such a boost - that feeling of Accomplishment! You're Not Alone ... if you ask seniors around you if They have the same Anxieties & gloomy thoughts, I'll bet you'll find You're Not Alone! Big Hug To You from me.