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!

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Scott R L | @scottrl | Mar 5 1:45pm

In reply to @nycmusic "@scottrl thanks and may you enjoy the best possible health." + (show)

@nycmusic Thanks, and the same to you!

cosynook | @cosynook | Mar 5 6:41pm

In reply to @margaretfriel "@lacy2 Celia16 ... you sound like a fairly normal Senior. A few years ago when I..." + (show)

@margaretfriel
Your words of wisdom will stay with me as I continue this journey. Thank you for sharing and inspiring me❤️

sisyphus | @sisyphus | Mar 6 12:42am

Here's the good news: According to the dementia.org, page 14: "Alzheimer’s dementia is not a normal part of aging, and older age alone is not sufficient to cause Alzheimer’s dementia."
(There is also a vascular dementia, caused by breathing problems such as stroke.)

What helps according to the website is staying in good physical health, a socially engaging/stimulating life and cognitively challenging activities. In other words a lifestyle that looks after Both our physical and mental health.

Nature couldn't be more generous, I guess!
https://www.alz.org/media/documents/alzheimers-facts-and-figures.pdf

slarson14 | @slarson14 | Mar 6 6:31am

In reply to @scottrl "I'm no expert, but I heard someone put it this way: If you forget where you..." + (show)

@scottrl

Excellent

slarson14 | @slarson14 | Mar 6 6:35am

In reply to @pondering "@margaretfriel I love this SO much! I haven't bought a new hat in years. I like..." + (show)

@pondering My Daddy played baseball. I LOVE baseball caps. Especially if a man has one tilted back a little bit, then it just grabs my heart. Dad used to tilt his back when he made a play he was very proud of....loved it. And the smile on his face.

slarson14 | @slarson14 | Mar 6 6:41am

Inability to recall is a normal thing at any age, and ability to recall peaks at 20-30, just as physical attributes do.

For example: take a 5 year old and one day they are playing with a toy, with several other kiddos, very busy... busy. A day later they may not recall what toy they were playing with, at 0800 when they are hungry. The brain is distracted and focusing on eating breakfast.

Same with older people: if your brain is not focused and thinking something else, or distracted by someone talking to you you may not remember what you went into a room for.

ANY type of dementia is an ABNORMAL state.

Forgetfulness is rampant at all ages, it is just that because demential happens mostly to people over 55 and increases in incidence it is associated with "old people" or "being old".

It is a stereotype to think old = forgetful.

breewhi | @breewhi | Mar 6 7:01am

I’m 70, and just this year, I have noticed, I can’t come up with names of movie stars that is in a discussion, it may come to me in a while. Also a particular word I’m looking for and it may take to the next day to think of it. My husband is 73 and same issues. Doesn’t run in either side of our families.

pmstrauss | @pmstrauss | Mar 6 9:45am

You have described what I am feeling to a “T”. I am 67 yo and my mom and her siblings and her dad had dementia. I also do have ADHD diagnosis but not medicated. Sometimes I think I am not remembering movies/conversations as well bcs I was not actually paying attention ton and therefore did not record the memory strong enough.
Following answers.

emaureen | @emaureen | Mar 6 10:01am

The TV show definition of dementia has been when an older character forgets about a pot cooking on the stove - a clear sign that Mom or Dad needs to be put in a Home RIGHT NOW. Oh dear ... we're all doomed!