AboutMichalene Peticca Expertise I'd be happy to help with any questions about Alzheimer's or Dementia diseases. I can also help with Medicare, Long term care & other insurance questions.
Experience I have my Masters degree in Geriatrics and am credentialed through the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Pennstate Milton Hershey hospital and the American Geriatrics Society. I've been in healthcare for over 20 years and worked directly with Alzheimer's and Dementia individuals for most of that time. I am also a licensed insurance agent in PA and MD. Currently i train healthcare professionals to care for Alzheimer and Dementia individuals and i have been a care manager for guardianship services in PA
Organizations American Geriatrics Society
Education/Credentials Masters degree in Geriatrics
Licensed insurance agent in PA & MD.
Past/Present clients PHI Homes in Pennsylvania
York, Dauphin & Adams County Area on Aging
The Jewish Home of Harrisburg
im sorry if this isnt the right place but i wasnt really sure where i should
voice my concern about my sudden lack in memory.
I turned 19 today so i doubt i have the beginnings of dementia but i hope
you can give me your opinion on what these symptoms might mean if
anything at all.
A few months ago maybe 4-5 i started having problems with my speech. I
would think what i wanted to say in my head but what came out
sometimes became slurred or the words were made up and not what i
was thinking of at all. An example would be the other day i went to say
flea spray and it ended up being "splay fee". Today i also went to say a
sentance and had to repeat my self as the first and last word came out
correct but everything inbetween was nonsence. Its quite embarrasing.
More recently ive noticed a lapse in my memory. I can no longer
remember names unless they are repeated to me several times. The other
day in starbucks i handed my friend a £5 note whilst i got change. I asked
for it back and she said she had give me it. I thought maybe she was
joking so asked again but she insisted she'd given me it. I searched my
pockets, found nothing and was convinced she hadnt given me it. She
was starting to get a little annoyed at me by now and suggested id
dropped it. I tried to find it and just when i was thinking id lost it forever
ilooked down to see it in my hand. Earlier this week i picked up a
hairdryer and went to put it away but ended up in the kitchen. I thought i
wanted a drink but then remembered i had the hairdryer and wondered
why id gone in the kitchen. The week before my mum was driving me to
work when i suddenly wondered where i was going. It took me a little time
to remember.
I will often make conversation, come up with some points to make in my
head then not only forget the points but what the conversation was even
about.
This is worrying me somewhat...is this a natural thing that comes with ag
or should i be concerned and make an appointment with my doctor?
Thanks for your time
Answer Hi Kayli!
19 can be such a wonderful and yet exhausting age! What changes you have made in your life during the last 2 years?! Am i right?!
Be assured...you do NOT have a Dementia disorder...you are far too young for any of that to occur.
However, you probably have Much stress related to life changes and perhaps some depression in there from those changes as well. This is actually completely normal!
The best news it that it is temporary and completly curable!
Try to limit your caffeine (i know, Starbucks is great, isn't it?) and eat better foods...more vegetables and no junk food!
Please also take a multi-vitamin each day!
If your memory deficits still persist, than i'd say see your doctor.
