Have you asked your primary to have some basic testing for a baseline to get insight into your current state? I realize i am an oddball in that I have used testing in my career extensively - so i am both a believer and comfortable with testing. But I also realize not everyone is. If there is one thing i am sure of, it is there will never be one truth - one answer - one path.

I also am 76 and have had tests to tell me what indicators of existing pathology may exist in blood or films, what genetics reveal in terms of likelihood and most importantly to me, how I am functioning intellectually because of (or in spite of) those markers. The neuropsych testing to me is what I pay attention to. I am classified in two batteries of tests conducted two years apart as having mild cognizant impairment - but of unknown etiology (a story for another time).

Like many, I have issues with word retrieval. I am increasingly of the opinion that it falls into the ‘getting old is not for the weak’ category more than the ‘oh shoot I have Alzheimer’s ‘ category. I also experience train of thought hiccups (what did I come in here for ).

So even with my extensive family history and the presence of those dreaded markers, the big bad wolf remains on the other side of the door.

I am doing what makes sense to me. I try to learn new complex things - like a new language or crocheting - in order to lay down neuronal pathways that might provide a new route when some existing pathways are blocked due to amyloid or tau. I think puzzles are fun but i don't think they represent new learning. But I will grant you It is tough to identify meaningful opportunity to learn.

So that is my weird path with this condition. I hope it is helpful