How to detect the first signs of Alzheimer’s? When should we worry when the error recurs in an elderly person? Here are some elements to distinguish simple memory loss from dementia.
We forget what we wanted to say, what we came into the room to do, or can’t remember the conversation, or our breakfast that morning. For people who are getting older, this type of memory loss, if it happens frequently, can be alarming. But as we grow up, about 40% Some of us will experience some form of memory loss. Just from the age of 60 5 to 8% of people will have dementia, according to WHO. So there is a good chance that these errors are associated with natural age-related changes in the brain, although the risk of Alzheimer’s or other neurodegenerative diseases cannot be ruled out. Here are some ways to distinguish the two.
Does this forgetfulness affect your daily life?
Is this memory loss mild enough that you can continue to live your daily life without interruption? Or does it mean you are no longer able to take care of yourself? Neurologist Richard Restuck, 82, and author How to Prevent Dementia: An Expert Guide to Long-Term Brain Health explained guardian : “There are people who come out of shopping centers and are Unable to remember where they parked the car. Well, that’s just a general observation. But if you walk out of the mall and You don’t remember if you took the car So far, or if you’ve come by bus, that’s a more random version of the story.”
Because there are many reasons why we forget things in life. The Stress is an important factor, which causes a decline in the normal functions of the brain. Because of this, in the panic, we sometimes forget the names of people we meet on a daily basis. Memory is also often greater A question of attention than cognitive deficits. We don’t always pay attention to a parking space, a locker number, or the face of a person who has passed a day so quickly. Your conscience was able to erase it, because the subject did not appeal to you. The sleep also plays a major role.
Keep your brain
To keep the mind sharp, experts recommend regularly practicing complex brain activity, such as Read books, go to the cinema, do mental arithmetic, learn a new language, learn a new music skill, do crosswords, puzzles or sudokus… The key is to continue to cultivate the passion that makes the brain work. According to Richard Restuck, Learn the list and be able to recite it by heart at any time Whether it’s a list of presidents, subway stations, names of sports team players, countries on a continent, etc., can make sure you’re not suffering from dementia.
Of course, if you have real concerns, it is better to consult a specialist on the advice of your doctor. Because cognitive symptoms can sometimes be indicative of other diseases, especially cardiovascular diseases, that can affect the brain.
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