(picture from Caring.com)Reading an article on Caring.com regarding memory loss that reminds us that our brains start to deteriorate in our late 20s. (oh my!!!)There are some signs that are more worrisome and should be looked into. Use your own memory as a baseline, do not compare to others.
Sign #1: Your memory problems frighten you. We all forget and we all have looked for our car in a different part of the parking lot. Be careful when you get uneasy about forgetting like wondering how the keys got in the refrigerator, or how you ended up on the street you find yourself on or have no idea where you are.
Sign #2: You've changed how you work or play because of memory problems. "A hallmark distinction between normal memory loss and dementia is that the symptoms interfere with your ability to conduct everyday life."You now make to-do lists, send multiple emails for the same thing, give up a hobby because nothing is turning out right or give up driving under certain conditions.
Sign #3: Friends or family point out mistakes and/or express concern.You repeat short stories or ask the same questions several times usually using the same exact words. You might be more withdrawn or apathetic, and there are changes in how you do your daily chores. "What happens is that relatives notice mistakes, and you -- the person with memory loss -- find yourself constantly in arguments with people about what you said or did," geriatric psychiatrist Robbins explains. "You're on the defensive a lot."
Sign #4: "You notice friends or family starting to cover for you. People start stepping in to do things for you that you normally do - pay for something, drive, order, taking care of money issues, to name a few.
Sign #5: You find it hard to make choices.It takes longer to make decisions even when it comes to food at a buffet or movie.
"If you used to be a definitive person and now you can't work your way through choices, that's a red flag," psychiatrist Ken Robbins says. "Choosing involves enough cognitive powers -- remembering what you like, thinking about how the options differ, and thinking about what you want now -- that it's a problem that shows up early on."
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