My First Brave Step

JamesE

Hello Everyone, I'm James and I'm 62 years old....

I'm taking the time to better learn more AZ/Dementia. My mom recently passed (Feb 23) and she was diagnosed as having dementia. I'm concerned that I'm starting to experience some early symptoms. Thank you all for being here and your willingness to share.

Iris L.

Welcome James. I'm sorry to learn about your mom's passing. Were you her caregiver? Often caregivers will develop dementia-like symptoms due to the stresses of caregiving. It may take a while for you to recover. What symptoms are you noticing? Think about consulting your doctor to do a thorough medical evaluation to search for dementia-mimics. Think also about how you can nurture yourself in this time.

Iris

FAHNJL

Hi, James! Go see a doctor. There are a lot of things that affect memory that are very treatable. Your doctor should eliminate those things first.

Good luck and have a great day! Let us know what's going on. We're here.

dancsfo

@JamesE Regardless of your diagnosis, it may be useful to do things that can help such as exercise, keeping your mind engaged (puzzles, perhaps?), making sure you do not have hearing loss.

While a doctor is probably the best for diagnosis, hints like this is useful.

https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/10_signs

And keeping healthy

https://www.alz.org/help-support/brain_health

If things are starting to annoy you, like missing medication, then assisting devices like pill boxes, medication reminder devices (on a phone, a smart watch) may help avoid trouble. But some people say that relying too much on these things may not be all that good. For example, instead of looking at a shopping list immediately, try to remember using some memory tricks (categorizing things, etc.) See article in New York Times (subscription may be required) https://www.nytimes.com/2022/07/06/well/mind/memory-loss-prevention.html?smid=url-share

In summary, it references a book "The Complete Guide to Memory: The Science of Strengthening Your Mind,” by Dr. Richard Restak’s and states that tools such as mental exercises, sleep habits and diet that can help boost memory. So you may not be able to cure it, but you can forestall it.

https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/456191/the-complete-guide-to-memory-by-restak-richard/9780241635285

Note: I have "Gifted" the NY Times article here, which is readable without a subscription for 30 days from July 26, 2023 and it then expires.