Aging-related cognitive changes do not typically impact your daily life. Forgetting a person’s name or facts about them, misplacing your reading glasses, not remembering a conversation your spouse said happened last year or having trouble recalling significant dates or passwords are normal signs of an aging brain.
“Multiple things can contribute to cognitive issues, such as medications,” said Fred Odago, MD, neurologist at CHI Saint Joseph Medical Group – Neurology. “However, Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of memory loss in the elderly.”
Around 40% of people experience some memory loss after they turn 65. Others may live to their 90s with strong memories of events both recent and long ago.
“It’s estimated we lose 7 cubic centimeters of brain tissue every year after age 65,” said Alam Khan, MD, neurologist at CHI Saint Joseph Medical Group – Neurology. “You also lose a percentage of cerebral blood flow, which contributes to cell death. And all of this is normal aging — it’s how God made us.”
This type of forgetfulness is frustrating but not a sign of possible dementia. However, a specialist should evaluate more significant changes to your memory.
“Family members will report a patient forgetting things that were just said or repeating questions they had already asked,” Dr. Odago said. “Maybe a patient is starting to struggle with executive function at work and can no longer complete tasks on time.”
“A person with Alzheimer’s will also struggle with completing complex tasks, such as balancing a checkbook,” Dr. Khan added. “They may get lost in familiar places or have trouble finding the correct words when speaking, instead of simply forgetting names.”
Behavioral changes such as mood swings or increased aggression can also suggest dementia.
If you suspect failing memory or cognitive changes in yourself or a loved one, it’s important to seek a prompt assessment.
“Alzheimer’s disease is not reversible, but the goal with treatment is to prevent a rapid progression,” Dr. Odago said. “When patients have a stroke, we talk about how, ‘Time is brain.’ This approach should be the same with regard to memory loss. The earlier patients are diagnosed, the more likely they are to benefit from newer medications that may prevent a sudden decline.”
The specialists at CHI Saint Joseph Medical Group – Neurology endeavor to provide leading-edge treatment for Alzheimer’s disease and other conditions, such as mild cognitive impairment (MCI), vascular cognitive impairment, Lewy body dementia and Parkinson’s disease.
“We go above and beyond many clinics with the latest medication therapies and research,” Dr. Odago said. “We also treat the patient as a whole instead of just treating the disease. We will always listen to you and try to address your concerns.”
There’s another crucial reason not to delay seeing a neurologist for memory or personality changes. Some causes of dementia or cognitive problems are reversible and may be treatable.
“Pseudo-dementia caused by depression can be very common in older people who are socially isolated,” Dr. Khan said. “We have a neuropsychologist in our practice who specializes in detecting neurodegenerative dementias versus dementia triggered by depression or other mental health issues.”
“Brain health is often equal to our general physical health,” Dr. Khan said. “If you have untreated risk factors for poor health, such as depression, diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, smoking or an alcohol use disorder, you are at greater risk for cognitive decline and dementia.”
“We tell our patients that there are lifestyle modifications that can help limit their risk of dementia,” Dr. Odago said. “Eating a healthy diet and getting plenty of exercise is number one. Adequate sleep is number two. Plenty of social engagement is number three. Number four is mental engagement, such as reading books or working puzzles — using that mind you have, so you will be less likely to lose it.”
You can’t stop getting older, but you can take steps for better cognitive health as you age.
If you are concerned about memory loss or other concerning symptoms, contact CHI Saint Joseph Medical Group – Neurology at 859.296.1922.
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