When Should I Begin to Worry?

As we get older, we worry about losing our minds, specifically our ability to remember names, dates and where we last placed our keys.   When we were younger such “forgetfulness” never bothered us.  We assumed it was part of our addled brain.  We even made jokes about it: It’s a good thing her head is connected to her body, goes one. But as we age, our memory lapses become more worrisome.  But should they?  

I have listed four possible scenarios.  Each of which describes a normal mental gap and only some are symptoms of age and provide worthy causes for worry.

Is my memory gone?  - If you experience a memory change as you get older, that is to be expected. We used to have (so we tell our grandchildren) a fly-paper memory: we retained everything.  With time, we also get nostalgic and recall the “good old days.”  But if you lose your mind beyond normal parameters, you should consult a medical professional.  The test is simple: can you repeat a sentence (or a list of common words) said to you with the instructions that you will soon have to repeat it? Do you remember the plot outlines of a book you recently read or a movie you just saw?  By answering such questions, you will have your response as to whether your memory loss is normal or abnormal.

Why am here? - We have all walked into a room or opened the refrigerator door and then wondered why did we enter, or what were we looking for?   The reason for our actions are more than obscure. They seem to be irretrievable. We scrape the walls of our memory bank to no avail. That is normal.  But getting lost in your backyard or in the neighborhood you grew up in, is not.  How familiar is the place for you? That is the question you should ask yourself before disparaging your brain.

Where did I put it? – The best minds have misplaced their car keys, a remote controller or other portable items.  Though they may be of grave importance to you, both now and later, the question you should ask is:  are you able to eventually locate these items?  If not, then you should seek professional help.

What is your name, again? – Some people forget things the minute they are instructed to memorize them.  They find a vocabulary list of foreign words daunting.  Others find mathematical formulas that you are required to know impossible to commit to memory.   And others, do not remember the names of unfamiliar people.  Such lapses are not only forgiven (except on exams), they do not point to a particular mental illness. I find it helpful to make mnemonic reminders for things I should recall.  For example, the name Roy G. Biv for the seven colors of the rainbow in correct succession. I also am prone to make mental notes between names and faces. Hulk Hogan is memorable for me because he does look a little like the cartoon character the Hulk.  A common form of self-treatment is to erect memory anchors for yourself. But if you forget important details of recent events that you have witnessed, it is time to worry.

Before you jump to the conclusion that you have dementia, Alzheimer’s or another form of cognitive decline make sure that you suffer from mental issues that come with aging.  To make sure, have a professional chart your memory with an assessment. 

Have any thoughts on the issue? Share them with us at www.MatureAging.com, and we may post them (only after getting your permission) in a future edition.

Till next time,

Josh