A familiar sentiment across the board for those of us in a certain age group.
What is considered “normal,” and what should I be concerned about? The Million Dollar Question. We all know 50-year-olds who function more like 80-year-olds and those magical seniors who make
the rest of us look bad. And, of course, there are those who give new meaning to “young at heart,” like Jane Metrano.
I’ll save you the research… trusted experts in the field of brain health, from the Alzheimer’s Association to the National Institutes of Health, tell us that yes, in fact, the brain does age like any other organ in the body. Factors that contribute are, of course, the big-ticket items like head trauma and DNA. As with all things, if our families have a high incidence of particular conditions (arthritis, cancer, cardiac, neurological), we know that we carry more vulnerability.
If you notice any rapid changes in your condition (mind or body), report them promptly to your Primary Care Physician (PCP). You may notice a personality change rather than a cognitive decline. Numerous medical conditions can cause rapid changes in mental status and are often treatable without hospital admission, including electrolyte imbalance, urinary tract infections, pneumonia (which can be silent and easily undetected), and high or low blood pressure. A sudden change in personality or mental status may also indicate a more serious medical condition and should be addressed immediately.
If you are worried and uncertain whether you are experiencing “intermittent” memory lapses or if it could be something more, consider taking notes. Charting your concerns can serve as an excellent tool for your medical team during their evaluation.
The worst thing that often occurs with significant memory loss is trying to conceal it. This, in itself, can be diagnostic. It makes complete sense that we would want to hide our weaknesses, especially if we fear the consequences may be severe. In truth, the situation
could be serious or something minor that can be addressed. Leave that decision to the experts.
Joanne MacInnis, RN, is the founder and president of Aberdeen Home Care, Inc., of Danvers, a concierge private duty home care agency in business since 2001. With 35 years of nursing practice, management and administration experience focused on home care and hospice, Joanne and her team specialize in advising and supporting families addressing the elders in their lives retain dignity and quality of life.
