Most people forget things from time to time but see a Primary Care Provider if you keep having problems with your memory. It could be caused by something that can be treated.

Non-urgent advice:  See a Primary Care Provider if:

• Memory problems are affecting your day-to-day life.
• Senior moments become more frequent.  It’s best to get checked because any treatment you need may work better if it’s started early.

 

Important:  Concern for a relative

If you’re worried about an older relative who’s becoming increasingly forgetful, speak to a Primary Care Provider about whether it could be a sign of dementia.

 

What happens at your appointment

If you’re having problems with your memory, a Primary Care Provider will ask you some questions to try to find the cause.

It might be useful to bring someone else with you who can help describe the problems you’re having.

The Primary Care Provider may refer you to a memory specialist for an in-depth assessment. Further tests, such as scans, may also sometimes be needed.

Any treatment that’s recommended will depend on the cause of your memory problems.

 

Causes of memory loss

Memory loss can just be a natural part of getting older.

Sometimes it may be caused by something common and treatable like stress, anxiety or depression, sleeping problems (insomnia).  Occasionally, memory loss can be a sign of something more serious, such as dementia.

Do not try to self-diagnose the cause of your memory loss – always see a Primary Care Provider.

 

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia

Dementia is the name for a group of symptoms associated with an ongoing decline of brain functioning. It can affect memory, thinking skills and other mental abilities.

The exact cause of Alzheimer’s disease is not yet fully understood, although a number of things are thought to increase your risk of developing the condition.

These include:

• Increasing age.
• A family history of the condition.
• Untreated depression, although depression can also be one of the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.
• Lifestyle factors and conditions associated with cardiovascular disease.

find out more information from these organizations

Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care Videos User Guide

Nation Institute on Aging

UCLA Health

Signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive condition, which means the symptoms develop gradually over many years and eventually become more severe. It affects multiple brain functions.

The first sign of Alzheimer’s disease is usually minor memory problems.

For example, this could be forgetting about recent conversations or events, and forgetting the names of places and objects.

As the condition develops, memory problems become more severe and further symptoms can develop, such as:

• Confusion, disorientation and getting lost in familiar places.
• Difficulty planning or making decisions.
• Problems with speech and language.
• Problems moving around without assistance or performing self-care tasks.
• Personality changes, such as becoming aggressive, demanding and suspicious of others.
• Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there) and delusions (believing things that are untrue)
• Low mood or anxiety.

 

Who is affected?

Alzheimer’s disease is most common in people over the age of 65.

The risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia increases with age, affecting an estimated 1 in 14 people over the age of 65 and 1 in every 6 people over the age of 80.

But around 1 in every 20 people with Alzheimer’s disease are under the age of 65. This is called early- or young-onset Alzheimer’s disease.

 

Getting a diagnosis

As the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease progress slowly, it can be difficult to recognize that there’s a problem. Many people feel that memory problems are simply a part of getting older.

Also, the disease process itself may (but not always) prevent people recognizing changes in their memory. But Alzheimer’s disease is not a “normal” part of the ageing process.

An accurate and timely diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease can give you the best chance to prepare and plan for your lifespan, as well as receive any treatment or support that may help.

If you’re worried about your memory or think you may have dementia, it’s a good idea to see a physician.

If possible, someone who knows you well should be with you as they can help describe any changes or problems they have noticed.  If you’re worried about someone else, encourage them to make an appointment and perhaps suggest that you go along with them.

There’s no single test that can be used to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease. And it’s important to remember that memory problems do not necessarily mean you have Alzheimer’s disease.

A physician will ask questions about any problems you’re experiencing and may do some tests to rule out other conditions.

If Alzheimer’s disease is suspected, you may be referred to a specialist service to:

• Assess your symptoms in more detail.
• Organize further testing, such as brain scans if necessary.
• Create a treatment and care plan.

 

How Alzheimer’s disease is treated

There’s currently no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, but medicines are available that can help relieve some of the symptoms.

Various other types of support are also available to help people with Alzheimer’s live as independently as possible, such as making changes to your home environment so it’s easier to move around and remember daily tasks.

Psychological treatments such as cognitive stimulation therapy may also be offered to help support your memory, problem solving skills and language ability.

 

Outlook

People with Alzheimer’s disease can live for several years after they start to develop symptoms. But this can vary considerably from person to person.

Alzheimer’s disease is a life-limiting illness, although many people diagnosed with the condition will die from another cause.  As Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurological condition, it can cause problems with swallowing.  This can lead to aspiration (food being inhaled into the lungs), which can cause frequent chest infections.

It’s also common for people with Alzheimer’s disease to eventually have difficulty eating and have a reduced appetite.

There’s increasing awareness that people with Alzheimer’s disease need palliative (soothing, relaxing, calming, comforting) care.

This includes support for families, as well as the person with Alzheimer’s.

 

Can Alzheimer’s disease be prevented?

As the exact cause of Alzheimer’s disease is not clear, there’s no known way to prevent the condition.

But there are things you can do that may reduce your risk or delay the onset of dementia, such as:

• Stop smoking and cutting down on alcohol.
• Eating a healthy, balanced diet and maintaining a healthy weight.
• Staying physically fit and mentally active.

These measures have other health benefits, such as lowering your risk of cardiovascular disease and improving your overall mental health.

 

Dementia research

There are dozens of dementia research projects going on around the world, many of which are based in the UK.

If you have a diagnosis of dementia or are worried about memory problems, you can help scientists better understand the disease by taking part in research.

If you’re a carer for someone with dementia, you can also take part in research.

 

More information

Dementia can affect all aspects of a person’s life, as well as their families.

If you have been diagnosed with dementia, or you’re caring for someone with the condition, remember that advice and support is available to help you live well.

 

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