Memory loss: Is it normal for older adults, or could it be a sign of something more serious?
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It's a worrying situation – you can't quite remember where you put your car keys or where you left your laptop. You're starting to doubt your memory, convinced that something is wrong. Is this normal ageing? Or is it something more sinister?
For many older adults, the signs of memory loss can be all too easy to ignore, but it's important to know when to take notice - because, for some, it could be indicative of more serious cognitive impairment.
According to Associate Professor Michael Woodward, the director of the Memory Clinic at the Austin Hospital in Melbourne, about 7 or 8 per cent of people in their 60s are affected by Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), rising to one in four people in their 80s.
So if you're starting to experience more frequent and worrying memory lapses, like repeatedly forgetting people's names, repeatedly forgetting what you've been told or what you're planning to do, and leaving items on or open, then it may be time to seek help.
MCI is typically characterised by repeated memory problems without loss of other cognitive abilities.
It's important to know that MCI is not the same as dementia - about 10 per cent of people with mild cognitive impairment move on to the dementia stage of their illness every year, and about 60 per cent of those is Alzheimer's disease.
On the other hand, some 20 or 30 per cent of people with MCI will never develop a more significant cognitive disorder. However, MCI itself is a significant problem and must be identified in order to manage it correctly.
If you're concerned that you may be experiencing MCI, then please consult with your GP about it. They will do a basic screening test to check for any underlying issues.
Fortunately, there are things you can do to reduce the effects of MCI or reduce the progression of cognitive decline. Dr Woodard recommends:
Scientists at the Australian National University in Canberra conducted a new study that tested several lifestyle modifications on adults who were already showing signs of cognitive decline. They wanted to find out if these changes could improve a person's mental state and maybe make them less likely to get dementia.
They discovered that those who actively adjusted certain aspects of their lifestyle saw significant beneficial results; this shows that one's lifestyle may be able to slow down cognitive ageing and lower one's risk of getting Alzheimer's disease.
MCI doesn't have a specific treatment right now, but that doesn't mean there's no hope.
New medical therapies for Alzheimer's disease will most certainly be developed and tested in people with MCI when they become available. Studies with drug trials have shown some early signs that treatments can stop MCI from getting worse and turning into dementia.
We hope you found this article useful, members. If you or someone you know is worried about memory loss, please don't hesitate to seek help and advice from a medical professional. With early identification and prevention, we can lower the risk of more serious problems.
The National Dementia Helpline can be reached at 1800 100 500 if you would rather have a one-on-one conversation about your concerns related to dementia or other forms of cognitive impairment.
For many older adults, the signs of memory loss can be all too easy to ignore, but it's important to know when to take notice - because, for some, it could be indicative of more serious cognitive impairment.
According to Associate Professor Michael Woodward, the director of the Memory Clinic at the Austin Hospital in Melbourne, about 7 or 8 per cent of people in their 60s are affected by Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), rising to one in four people in their 80s.
So if you're starting to experience more frequent and worrying memory lapses, like repeatedly forgetting people's names, repeatedly forgetting what you've been told or what you're planning to do, and leaving items on or open, then it may be time to seek help.
Are the memory issues you're experiencing just 'normal' signs of ageing or something more serious? Credit: Pexels/cottonbro studio.
MCI is typically characterised by repeated memory problems without loss of other cognitive abilities.
It's important to know that MCI is not the same as dementia - about 10 per cent of people with mild cognitive impairment move on to the dementia stage of their illness every year, and about 60 per cent of those is Alzheimer's disease.
On the other hand, some 20 or 30 per cent of people with MCI will never develop a more significant cognitive disorder. However, MCI itself is a significant problem and must be identified in order to manage it correctly.
If you're concerned that you may be experiencing MCI, then please consult with your GP about it. They will do a basic screening test to check for any underlying issues.
Fortunately, there are things you can do to reduce the effects of MCI or reduce the progression of cognitive decline. Dr Woodard recommends:
- Getting enough exercise. Forty minutes of exercise five times a week, a bit of huffing and puffing, not just a gentle stroll.
- Having a healthy and balanced diet. Eat a Mediterranean-type diet. Plenty of green leafy vegetables and fish and not too much fat, not too many sweets.
- Keep your brain stimulated. Do some mental exercises approximately every day for 30 minutes – such as Wordle (or OzWord), Sudoku or playing chess online.
- Keep your social networks active. Make sure you're reaching out to friends and family and participating in the community.
- Reduce your exposure to air pollution.
Healthy changes in one's way of life have been linked to a decreased risk of dementia and an increase in general cognitive function. Credit: Pexels/cottonbro studio.
Scientists at the Australian National University in Canberra conducted a new study that tested several lifestyle modifications on adults who were already showing signs of cognitive decline. They wanted to find out if these changes could improve a person's mental state and maybe make them less likely to get dementia.
They discovered that those who actively adjusted certain aspects of their lifestyle saw significant beneficial results; this shows that one's lifestyle may be able to slow down cognitive ageing and lower one's risk of getting Alzheimer's disease.
MCI doesn't have a specific treatment right now, but that doesn't mean there's no hope.
New medical therapies for Alzheimer's disease will most certainly be developed and tested in people with MCI when they become available. Studies with drug trials have shown some early signs that treatments can stop MCI from getting worse and turning into dementia.
The National Dementia Helpline can be reached at 1800 100 500 if you would rather have a one-on-one conversation about your concerns related to dementia or other forms of cognitive impairment.
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thats making me forget, wonder which ones better to have ?
