Expert: Michalene Peticca - 11/14/2008

Question
Hi,

I, and virtually all of my friends (all 65-72 years old,) are constantly complaining about not being able to remember a particular word (especially names) All find they can eventually remember the forgotten work by association
(i.e., if you forget "Tom Cruise", you think of a guy who was in a movie with Tom Cruise, then the movie's title, and THEN, Tom Cruise. This can take some time.

All take various medications, so a likely possibility is that side effects of medications (plus age) account for the "aphasia."

However, all know that this sort of word forgetfulness can be an early sign of Alzheimer’s. Obviously, this is not the case with most of us (since most people don't get Alzheimer’s or dementia), but all wonder whether there is a way to distinguish such word forgetfulness owing to age or medication from that which might be an early sign of Alzheimer’s.)

Is there?

Many thanks,

Steve"


Answer
Hello Steve,

Thank you for writing.  I really enjoyed the "association" for Tom Cruise!  LOL

The media has done a Great job in getting people more aware about Alzheimer's and Dementia disorders; however, i also have found that many people who would have gone through life just realizing that some memory lapses are Normal....are now more concerned due to their age and asking if it is the beginning stages of Dementia.

The easiest way to determine if someone is showing beginning signs of a Dementia disorder (ex, Alzheimer's) is if that person has a combination of the following:  1.  They struggle continuously with their finances and mathematics in their daily life (ex, if i drive 60 miles per hour and will travel 60 miles, how long will it take me to get to my destination?...simple for us, but not for Dementia individual)   2. Personality changes - ex, if the person was an outgoing individual but now retreats from usual activities...or you notice a strong decline in personal hygiene and eating habits.   3.  If an individual can drive to a certain place but can't find their way back home (ex., if they have always attended church each Sunday, but now cannot remember how to get back home).

Those are the top 3.  But, i think you'll find that medications, diet, socialization and constant changes in our world and environment can also "trigger" moments of forgetfulness.   

I wouldn't worry too much....just enjoy Retirement!

Best Regards,

Michalene Peticca, MA