The Haxtun-Fleming Herald - What can we reason but from what we know? -Alexander Pope

Many older adults worry about their memory and other thinking abilities. For example, they might be concerned about taking longer than before to learn new things, or they may sometimes forget to pay a bill. These changes are usually signs of mild forgetfulness — often a normal part of aging — not serious memory problems.

What's the difference between normal, age-related forgetfulness and a serious memory problem? It's normal to forget things once in a while as we age, but serious memory problems make it hard to do everyday things like driving, using the phone and finding your way home.

Talk with your primary healthcare provider to determine whether memory and other cognitive problems, such as the ability to clearly think and learn, are normal and what may be causing them.

Signs that it might be time to talk to a doctor include: asking the same questions over and over again; getting lost in places a person knows well; having trouble following recipes or directions; becoming more confused about time, people, and places; not taking care of oneself — eating poorly, not bathing or behaving unsafely.

Tips for dealing

with forgetfulness

People with some forgetfulness can use a variety of techniques that may help them stay healthy and deal with changes in their memory and mental skills. Here are some tips: learn a new skill; follow a daily routine; stay involved in activities that can help both the mind and body; volunteer in your community; spend time with friends and family; get enough sleep; exercise and eat well; don't drink a lot of alcohol.

Mild Cognitive Impairment

Some older adults have a condition called mild cognitive impairment, meaning they have more memory or other thinking problems than other people their age. People with MCI can usually take care of themselves and do their normal activities. MCI may be an early sign of Alzheimer’s, but not everyone with MCI will develop Alzheimer's. Signs of MCI include: losing things often; forgetting to go to important events or appointments; having more trouble coming up with desired words.

If you have MCI, visit your doctor every six to 12 months to track changes in memory and other thinking skills. There may be habits and behaviors you can change and activities you can do to help you maintain memory and thinking skills.

Dementia and Aging

Dementia is not a normal part of aging. It includes the loss of cognitive functioning — thinking, remembering, learning and reasoning — and behavioral abilities to the extent that it interferes with a person's quality of life and activities. Memory loss, though common, is not the only sign of dementia. People with dementia may also have problems with language skills, visual perception or paying attention.

When to visit the

doctor for memory loss

If you, a family member or friend have problems remembering recent events or thinking clearly, talk with a doctor. They may suggest a thorough checkup to see what might be causing the symptoms.

At the appointment, he or she can perform tests and assessments, which may include a brain scan, to help determine the source of memory problems. Your doctor may also recommend seeing a neurologist.

Finding the cause of the problems is important for determining the best course of action. Once you know the cause, you can follow the right treatment plan.

For an evaluation, reach out to one of our trusted providers at Haxtun Health by calling the clinic at (970) 774-6187. Haxtun Health has weekday and Saturday appointments available for your convenience. Haxtun Health prioritizes your health and we want to see you happy, healthy and thriving throughout your golden years.