With the issue front and center in President Joe Biden's bid for reelection, discussiions about age-related memory challenges are receiving much attention these days.

Here at Senior Concerns, we frequently hear these concerns. It is often the reason that someone reaches out to sign up for our free neuropsychologist-led memory screenings.

When people call, they say “I don’t remember information as well as I once did. Last week I could not remember where I parked the car in the mall parking lot,” or “I’m having difficulty coming up with the right word at the right moment, and the harder I try to remember, my brain locks up.” They want to be tested to see if their concern is warranted.

The cognitive test the neuropsychologist uses is a short, quick test to check how well a person’s brain is functioning. These tests don’t diagnose specific diseases. Instead, they identify a problem with cognition and the need for more in-depth testing.

The good news is that most people who sign up for the screenings are well within the normal range of cognitive function. The neuropsychologist explains that the changes they are experiencing are a normal part of aging. They are encouraged to come back again in 6-12 months for another test if they like.

I asked my mom, who turns 90 later this month, and is cognitively fit (according to her physician) if she has trouble recalling the right word in conversations. Her answer was yes, several times a day. I asked her if it interfered with her life and she said no, it is just frustrating. The good news is that oftentimes the person she is having the conversation with guesses the word she is having difficulty remembering, and the conversation continues.

Studies have shown that as we get older, we find it increasingly difficult to have the right words ready at the right moment. Memory lapses and a modest decline in thinking skills are common as we age. It is thought that the networks in the brain become more inefficient over time. 

The way to think about memory challenges is to view them on a continuum.

Minor challenges like misplacing your glasses, finding the right word, or forgetting where you parked your car at the mall are considered normal. Like my mom’s situation, they do not interfere with daily life.

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) would be next on the continuum. Signs of mild cognitive impairment include forgetting recent events, having trouble learning new things, or frequently losing things. Other signs include having difficulty making decisions or focusing on a task. Most times people with MCI can manage on their own. However, MCI can worsen over time.

Last on the continuum is dementia, which is a group of symptoms that affects memory, thinking, and social abilities enough that it impacts one’s daily living. Dementia is progressive. Those living with it will eventually require help with daily tasks and not be able to live alone.

There are several types of dementia including Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia (often associated with strokes), Lewy Body dementia, Frontotemporal dementia (what Bruce Willis has), Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, and Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (caused by excess cerebrospinal fluid.)

Memory loss that disrupts daily life is often one of the first signs of dementia.

Sometimes signs of dementia can be caused by medical symptoms that are reversible, like a urinary tract infection, depression, side effects from medication, sleep problems, not eating enough, or a lack nutrients like vitamin B12.

Also, major traumatic events or stressful life situations can cause memory problems.

If you are concerned about your memory loss or the memory loss of a loved one, the first step is to schedule an appointment with your general physician or a neurologist. Beforehand create a list of situations that concern you and be prepared to talk about them.

Finding the cause of memory loss is key to determining the best course of action.