Memory lapses: When to worry about dementia

If you’re concerned about Alzheimer’s or dementia, you might mistake these “senior moments” for signs of mental decline. But there’s good news. Most memory lapses are nothing to worry about.

We’ve all had a memory lapses at one time or another. You can’t find your glasses anywhere — only to realize they’ve been on your head all along. Or you’re in the middle of a story and just can’t find the right word. (But it’s right there on the tip of your tongue!)

If you’re concerned about Alzheimer’s or dementia, you might mistake these “senior moments” for signs of mental decline. But there’s good news. Most memory lapses are nothing to worry about.

Beginning around age 45, you may notice everyday lapses happen more often. This is a natural part of aging. None of these are cause for alarm:

  • Absent-mindedness (such as forgetting your keys)
  • Not being able to retrieve a memory (the “tip-of-the-tongue” feeling)
  • Getting details wrong when recalling an event
  • Memories changing over time as you learn more information or talk to others
  • Memories changing because of your emotions in the current moment

When to seek help

Of course, some memory issues should prompt a visit to the doctor. One of the most common signs of trouble is suddenly forgetting how to do something you’ve done many times before. For example:

  • Getting lost in a familiar place
  • Neglecting hygiene, nutrition or safety
  • Becoming confused about the date or  year
  • Loss of short-term memory is also concerning. Signs include difficulty following directions or asking the same question over and over without retaining the answer.

Like the rest of the body, the brain shows signs of wear and tear as the years go by. Dementia risk increases steadily after age 65, so it is especially important for seniors to be watchful for these signs.

Heading off Alzheimer’s

So, if the risk of dementia rises with age, what’s a savvy senior to do? Studies have shown that the brain, like the rest of the body, improves with regular workouts. Exercising your mind doesn’t have to be a chore. Consider taking up one of these brain-building hobbies:

  • Gaming. A recent study suggested that older adults who played a fast-paced video game were 33 percent less likely to show signs of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease ten years later.
  • Volunteering. Give back to the community while keeping yourself sharp — libraries, animal shelters and soup kitchens are always looking for helping hands.
  • Gardening. In addition to being excellent physical exercise, gardening grows problem-solving skills and patience.
  • Music. Studies have shown that learning to play an instrument can enhance your memory, spatial reasoning and language skills.

Article Provided by:
Salem Health
503-8
14-5554
www.SalemHealth.org


Search Retirement Connection Listings for Residential Care Facilities

Search Residential Care Facilities for Grants Pass
Search Residential Care Facilities for Klamath Falls
Search Residential Care Facilities for Medford
Search Residential Care Facilities for Roseburg

Retina Specialists and Diabetic Retinopathy

These Retina Specialists manage medical and surgical diseases of the retina, a light-sensitive tissue lining the inner back wall of the eye.

An ophthalmologist is a physician and surgeon trained to manage diseases of the eye. Many of us are familiar with ophthalmologists as they perform cataract surgeries. There are also ophthalmologists who choose to subspecialize in the field of Retina. These Retina Specialists manage medical and surgical diseases of the retina, a light-sensitive tissue lining the inner back wall of the eye. They specialize in conditions such as Macular Degeneration, Diabetic Retinopathy, and retinal arterial occlusions. They also specialize in surgical repair of the retina such as in retinal detachments and macular holes.

In the U.S., Diabetic Retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness in adults. About 40-45% of adults with diabetes over the age of 40 will have some level of Diabetic Retinopathy. With the current epidemic of Diabetes, it’s important to understand the potential impact on the retina and ultimately, a person’s sight.

The retina is the light-sensitive tissue that lines the back of the eye. It captures light entering the eye and transforms it into electrical signals. These signals travel through the optic nerve and are interpreted by the brain. Within the retina lies a rich supply of blood vessels that are susceptible to damage from high glucose levels. Over time, this damage may result in leaky blood vessels that cause retinal swelling and result in blurry vision. Sometimes the blood vessels close off completely, starving the retina of oxygen. The damaged retina will then release growth factors to stimulate the growth of new blood vessels. Unfortunately, these new vessels are fragile, leaky and often rupture, bleeding inside the eye. They may also result in scar tissue formation that contracts, pulling the retina off the back of the eye (retinal detachment). These changes constitute varying levels of Diabetic Retinopathy.

Today Retina Specialists use multiple methods to manage Diabetic Retinopathy. For many patients, eye injections of medications that stop the production of growth factors work well. Sometimes a laser is used to target leaky blood vessels
or destroy a dysfunctional retina. Patients with more advanced Diabetic Retinopathy may require surgery to remove blood or scar tissue inside the eye.

The key to avoiding these problems is maintaining regular visits with a physician to ensure adequate blood sugar and blood pressure control. A healthy diet, regular physical activity, and weight management play crucial roles as well. Smoking should be avoided at all costs. Regular screening or follow-up visits with an ophthalmologist or Retina Specialist are important in preventing vision loss. With a direct view of the retina’s health, your eye care specialist and you can work together to preserve your vision.

Article Provided by:
Oregon Retina Center
541-770-2020
www.OregonRetina.com


Search Retirement Connection Listings for Residential Care Facilities

Search Residential Care Facilities for Grants Pass
Search Residential Care Facilities for Klamath Falls
Search Residential Care Facilities for Medford
Search Residential Care Facilities for Roseburg