Having Memory/Language Issues- Normal Aging?

[bsloan1960]

I'm 65. I have always had, and used a pretty expansive vocabulary- not scholarly but enough to be sure I was understood. I could hold my own in a variety of social situations.

For the past few years I have a lot of trouble finding words. I find that my conversations are now lacking the 'big' words I used to use. When I'm talking, a word that would normally be immediately available to me is now a blank space in my mind, and I instead use a basic word. An example: While talking I might use the 'Expansive" (as in my 1st sentence above), but when I draw a blank I'll instead say, "Big". This problem is not quite so bad when I'm typing.

So, are these lapses on the spectrum Senior Moments?

[vintageogauge]

Make an appointment with Dr. Mason "the memory doctor" in Leesburg for a complete analysis. No sense in asking questions here as those that have gone through it cannot remember the answers.

[dnobles]

Charter Research advertises in the Daily Sun often 352 441 2000. I don’t have any experience with them. Just saw the ad

[villagetinker]

Synexus is also doing studies on memory, located behind the circle K gas station on Wedgewood.

[ThirdOfFive]

I'm 65. I have always had, and used a pretty expansive vocabulary- not scholarly but enough to be sure I was understood. I could hold my own in a variety of social situations.

For the past few years I have a lot of trouble finding words. I find that my conversations are now lacking the 'big' words I used to use. When I'm talking, a word that would normally be immediately available to me is now a blank space in my mind, and I instead use a basic word. An example: While talking I might use the 'Expansive" (as in my 1st sentence above), but when I draw a blank I'll instead say, "Big". This problem is not quite so bad when I'm typing.

So, are these lapses on the spectrum Senior Moments?
Some good advice in this thread already about seeking professional help.

Losing words is not uncommon among us geezers. Neither is losing things, or forgetting what you went to get once you get there. I’m 75 and those phenomena have been present, to a greater or lesser degree, for the past decade. But we learn coping skills. And our lives go on.

To use a well-worn example: if you forget where your car keys are, that is normal. If you forget what your car keys are FOR…well, time to start worrying. I’m certainly no expert (though I did work with geriatric populations extensively back in the world) but my thought is that if you know what you WANT to say but can’t find quite the right word, that is normal. Like losing your car keys. I’d ask an expert, but wouldn’t worry too much.

[LuvNH]

Some good advice in this thread already about seeking professional help.

Losing words is not uncommon among us geezers. Neither is losing things, or forgetting what you went to get once you get there. I’m 75 and those phenomena have been present, to a greater or lesser degree, for the past decade. But we learn coping skills. And our lives go on.

To use a well-worn example: if you forget where your car keys are, that is normal. If you forget what your car keys are FOR…well, time to start worrying. I’m certainly no expert (though I did work with geriatric populations extensively back in the world) but my thought is that if you know what you WANT to say but can’t find quite the right word, that is normal. Like losing your car keys. I’d ask an expert, but wouldn’t worry too much.

I think your post is excellent. We have the same type of forgetfulness, especially with words. I can see it, feel it on my tongue and cannot get it out. I put it down to living in TV. Rarely do we have the type of conversation we had when we were working, or the opportunity to sit and converse with younger more intellectual people. Our discussions and speech patterns in TV start and end with Good Morning, how are you, and Well, see you later.

The fear of dementia is ever present as we age. I notice that when we are back with our family, especially adult grandchildren, our vocabulary gets much better. This last sentence says it all, I could have ended with "our vocabulary improves immensely".

[CoachKandSportsguy]

Being your age and having had 7 concussions from sports in my lifetime, I feel your pain. I have similar issues when highly stressed or very tired. My mom has serious dementia, and can't remember anything for more than 5 minutes. One of the accelerants of dementia is isolation. Because with isolation, you don't speak so you can lose the use of vocabulary faster than when speaking regularly. The pandemic isolation did my mom in, as well as being a widow starting at age 89, she is now 96. Activity level of regular exercise and regular socialization and good sleep patterns will help slow the advance if you are predisposed to the disease.

All of this information was learned during regular visits with her neurologist until i had to put her in assisted living. And I also learned I was predisposed due to the head injuries, and I do feel those issues as well. . . but I also do crossword puzzles at night to keep the words alive in the brain. . you might want to try word puzzles as a way to keep those words in your active library

doomed guy

[Stu from NYC]

Charter Research advertises in the Daily Sun often 352 441 2000. I don’t have any experience with them. Just saw the ad

My wife and I were tested by them last year and plan to do it again soon.

No cost and think they give a pretty good test on your cognitive functions.

Also medicare wellness test also tests for this but not as complete as Charter Research.

[Garywt]

I have had chemo brain for the last 10 years so I have word issues and memory problems all the time. It is difficult at times but my doctor says it is just me getting old. I was 49 when I was diagnosed with incurable cancer. I have always used used basic words, why use big words when little ones work just fine. Anyway, find a way around it and do the best you can.

[RICH1]

Carotid artery blockage…. As we age all that bacon had to go somewhere…. ultrasound/ Doppler will pinpoint the area

[Debfrommaine]

Charter Research advertises in the Daily Sun often 352 441 2000. I don’t have any experience with them. Just saw the ad

I just went and had a very good experience.

[kp11364]

I'm 65. I have always had, and used a pretty expansive vocabulary- not scholarly but enough to be sure I was understood. I could hold my own in a variety of social situations.

For the past few years I have a lot of trouble finding words. I find that my conversations are now lacking the 'big' words I used to use. When I'm talking, a word that would normally be immediately available to me is now a blank space in my mind, and I instead use a basic word. An example: While talking I might use the 'Expansive" (as in my 1st sentence above), but when I draw a blank I'll instead say, "Big". This problem is not quite so bad when I'm typing.

So, are these lapses on the spectrum Senior Moments?

I have had that issue occasionally for as long as I can remember - one mechanism that works wonders is to give yourself a "short-circuit".

By this, I mean if you grasping for a word, think of a question and answer that has ABSOLUTELY nothing to do with the word you want. Example: "How many arms does an octopus have?" More times than not, this momentary shift will get you back on the main track.

[brewcitysteve]

The Villages Health has an outreach program that will test your memory using the nationally standardized testing program. It is free to all residents. You do not have to be in their health system.

[ithos]

May want to check your B12 levels. Supplements will correct any deficiency.

Low Vitamin B12 Levels: An Underestimated Cause Of Minimal Cognitive Impairment And Dementia - PMC (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7077099/#:~:text=Vitamin%20B12%20deficiency%20is%20linked, markers%20of%20Vitamin%20B12%20deficiency).

[LizzieBorden]

My friend goes to charter research and the outcome was amazing. I would recommend…..definitely.

[Jdburns11]

[QUOTE=CoachKandSportsguy;2196239] My mom has serious dementia, and can't remember anything for more than 5 minutes. One of the accelerants of dementia is isolation. Because with isolation, you don't speak so you can lose the use of vocabulary faster than when speaking regularly.

One of the more poignant & relevant phrases I’ve seen since watching my Mother (now 80) go down this path a bit…. Widowed at 59 and stopped really working a couple years ago - we tried to get her to come down with us to FL about 18 months ago but she wasn’t feeling it.

Eventually moved her from her apartment an independent senior living facility with meals prepared (if she wants them, full kitchen too) - and additional socialization opportunities - it was a tough sell to get her to go there given the increased expense.

I try to visit and call much more often - but the path doesn’t seem great in concert with her own overall happiness level - great thread & helpful discussion,.

Respectfully, DB

[JoelJohnson]

If you lose your keys and find them later, that's ok, if you lose your keys, find them and don't know what they are ... then you worry.
As I tell my kids ... I've learned so much over the years, anything I learn now makes the stuff I learned in the past go out.

[Helping Friend]

My wife says the time to worry is not when you forget one or two things but when it becomes a whole string of forgetting. I sometimes forget why I went from one room to the next or where I put my sunglasses-- usually on my head. I appreciate the advice about getting tested or involved in a study, but also feel it is very helpful to challenge yourself as much as possible, physically and mentally. I write books and lead a writing group. I think writing, whatever the genre, is, for me at least, an important way to keep my brain challenged. Reading and word puzzles are also helpful. At age 76, I just completed a script for a television series, a longshot, which required me to learn a scriptwriting program. I doubted I could master it or keep up with the young whippersnapper producer. It was not something I ever imagined doing in retirement, but challenging my brain and staying socially active, I think, is very important. Keep on trucking, my friend, and don't worry about a few word gaps, but be proactive and find ways to use your talents and skills to help others. Thanks again for sharing a common concern. Much appreciated.

[msilagy]

When a post said tested by them - who is them? Charter research or Synexus???? Your post always goes to end so does not match up.

[MandoMan]

I'm 65. I have always had, and used a pretty expansive vocabulary- not scholarly but enough to be sure I was understood. I could hold my own in a variety of social situations.

For the past few years I have a lot of trouble finding words. I find that my conversations are now lacking the 'big' words I used to use. When I'm talking, a word that would normally be immediately available to me is now a blank space in my mind, and I instead use a basic word. An example: While talking I might use the 'Expansive" (as in my 1st sentence above), but when I draw a blank I'll instead say, "Big". This problem is not quite so bad when I'm typing.

So, are these lapses on the spectrum Senior Moments?

Where was I? This is a very common problem with age, and it isn’t necessarily dementia. For the last ten years I spent teaching literature on the college level, I had a hard time occasionally remembering the names of characters in books I was teaching when I needed their names. I used to write the names on a post-it note I kept inside the front cover. I think that if you can explain the context where a word is used, give synonyms, define it aloud, then recognize the word when it comes to you later, you are doing okay.

I may have problems remembering a certain word I need at times, but I read scholarly books, have high-level conversations, write and publish books. I learn to play new musical instruments and learn new techniques for playing old ones and learn new songs. I like to think those things help keep my mind sharper than it might otherwise be. It’s definitely harder to memorize new songs these days, but I’m still learning and loving it.

[mikeycereal]

try lions mane mushrooms and after a few months see if you feel any more focused.

[scooterstang]

I have selective memory loss, mostly when it comes to the "Honey do list"

[DeeCee Dubya]

You're not the only one experiencing these symptoms. I'm 64 and deal with the same stuff.

[Nucky]

I’m so grateful to you for your post. I’m going to get into action later today. If I can help myself and then others I’m all ears.
When we’re new to The Villages we did notice the heavy emphasis on Memory Care. I was about 58 at the time and on my first Doctors appointment I was asked to draw 11.15 on a clock on a blank piece of paper then felt insulted when they gave my three words to remember. Apple, Penny, Table. I was insulted and almost walked out. Turns out that they were only looking out for me and have been ever since. Staying was one of the best things that I ever did. I wouldn’t trade The Villages Health for the world.

Thanks again for the post, I’m not alone!

[waterflower]

Research Nootropics -are a class of substances that improve brain function. Also referred to as neuro-enhancers, cognitive boosters, or memory enhancers. Detox heavy metals. Do not cook with aluminum or in deodorant. No fluoride.This is a start.

[TomDTV]

My wife had a similar issue over 10 years ago when she was in her mid 60s. In her case, it ultimately led to dementia. For others I've known, it seems part of aging

[PugMom]

Make an appointment with Dr. Mason "the memory doctor" in Leesburg for a complete analysis. No sense in asking questions here as those that have gone through it cannot remember the answers.

Dr. Mason is THE BEST! i second your recommendation.

[PugMom]

I’m so grateful to you for your post. I’m going to get into action later today. If I can help myself and then others I’m all ears.
When we’re new to The Villages we did notice the heavy emphasis on Memory Care. I was about 58 at the time and on my first Doctors appointment I was asked to draw 11.15 on a clock on a blank piece of paper then felt insulted when they gave my three words to remember. Apple, Penny, Table. I was insulted and almost walked out. Turns out that they were only looking out for me and have been ever since. Staying was one of the best things that I ever did. I wouldn’t trade The Villages Health for the world.

Thanks again for the post, I’m not alone!

thx so much for your heartfelt reply, & yes, you are not alone

[YeOldeCurmudgeon]

Where was I? This is a very common problem with age, and it isn’t necessarily dementia. For the last ten years I spent teaching literature on the college level, I had a hard time occasionally remembering the names of characters in books I was teaching when I needed their names. I used to write the names on a post-it note I kept inside the front cover. I think that if you can explain the context where a word is used, give synonyms, define it aloud, then recognize the word when it comes to you later, you are doing okay.

I may have problems remembering a certain word I need at times, but I read scholarly books, have high-level conversations, write and publish books. I learn to play new musical instruments and learn new techniques for playing old ones and learn new songs. I like to think those things help keep my mind sharper than it might otherwise be. It’s definitely harder to memorize new songs these days, but I’m still learning and loving it.

This thread, for me, is the most relevant of all that I have seen here. I have similar problems with names. For example, the other day I was trying to remember the name of Mel Gibson and then, what's his name, the guy who has aphasia, oh now I remember, Bruce Willis.

I also was a teacher and have written a number of books on historical subjects, so a lot of names to remember. I have never read anything that suggests this, but is it possible that as we age, we have more to remember and our brain capacity is being pushed to its limits?

[cjrjck]

I think I am more sensitive to memory challenges at my current age than I was 10, 20, or 30 years ago. I am not sure I was any better back then, I just did not pay any attention to it. Now it is front and center. I just tell the grandkids that Grandpa's brain is so filled with data that his hard drive is full. So any new data has to replace old data. Once old data is gone, it is gone forever. So make sure whatever you say to Grandpa it is really important. It has actually kept them quiet a time or two. 😁

[macawlaw]

Alzheimer’s runs in my mom’s side is the family, so I pay close attention to potential symptoms. I have noticed that a common early sign is the inability to multi-task anymore. For example, not being able to cook a whole meal and figure out how/when everything should be done.

Losing words is also a clue. However, it appears to be more that they forget the bigger word exists at all. I think that it’s natural for seniors to sometimes have trouble retrieving words/names, etc. If they come back to you later, and you remember that it’s the name/word you wanted, I don’t think that’s a problem.

[Cheapbas]

I'm 65. I have always had, and used a pretty expansive vocabulary- not scholarly but enough to be sure I was understood. I could hold my own in a variety of social situations.

For the past few years I have a lot of trouble finding words. I find that my conversations are now lacking the 'big' words I used to use. When I'm talking, a word that would normally be immediately available to me is now a blank space in my mind, and I instead use a basic word. An example: While talking I might use the 'Expansive" (as in my 1st sentence above), but when I draw a blank I'll instead say, "Big". This problem is not quite so bad when I'm typing.

So, are these lapses on the spectrum Senior Moments?

I take Prevegen and believe it helps. I don’t know if there’s scientific evidence to support it, but I despise paying the $30 a month but continue do so because I think it works. If I didn’t, I would have dumped it in a heartbeat.

[lmack]

I'm 65. I have always had, and used a pretty expansive vocabulary- not scholarly but enough to be sure I was understood. I could hold my own in a variety of social situations.

For the past few years I have a lot of trouble finding words. I find that my conversations are now lacking the 'big' words I used to use. When I'm talking, a word that would normally be immediately available to me is now a blank space in my mind, and I instead use a basic word. An example: While talking I might use the 'Expansive" (as in my 1st sentence above), but when I draw a blank I'll instead say, "Big". This problem is not quite so bad when I'm typing.

So, are these lapses on the spectrum Senior Moments?



A lot of good referrals in here. I’d like to share that my husband was having some word search issues a couple years ago and I read an article that talked about the brain like a muscle that we need to exercise (especially as we age). It suggested things like reading and puzzles (multiple kinds of puzzles, not just one) as exercise. Hubby has been doing that ever sense and is much improved. As others have said, seniors often experience some word search issues so he still does but much less. And, his ample vocabulary when young has been returning and he can wiz thru a crossword now (almost like his younger years) and only likes the hard sudoku now.

So, I’m certainly not saying ignore the issues. Discuss with a dr (as he did also). But you might also benefit from some ‘exercising your brain’ puzzles too.

[Two Bills]

Wife and I are 86 and 83 respectively.
Crosswords, reading, walking and travel seem to keep us mentally alert.
Not too much television seems to stop brain 'Zombyfying' as well.
Chat with younger people.
We are lucky to have grandson and family nearby, and we regularly speak with him and his teenage senior year class mates.

Health Warning.
Avoid old people as much as possible.
Research has shown that in some cases, over exposure can cause brain damage!:icon_wink:

[TomDTV]

My wife had a similar issue over 10 years ago when she was in her mid 60s. In her case, it ultimately led to dementia. For others I've known, it seems part of aging

[Stu from NYC]

When a post said tested by them - who is them? Charter research or Synexus???? Your post always goes to end so does not match up.

You should quote the test you are referring to but think it was to me.

We were tested by Charter Research.

[YeOldeCurmudgeon]

I take Prevegen and believe it helps. I don’t know if there’s scientific evidence to support it, but I despise paying the $30 a month but continue do so because I think it works. If I didn’t, I would have dumped it in a heartbeat.

What makes you think it works? Not doubting you, just wondering what it is that makes you think that?

[LG999]

Are you talking to as many people as you used to? If not, try to call a few people each day and look for places you can engage people in conversation.

[LG999]

Yes, and stress is not our friend either

[snbrafford]

Charter Research advertises in the Daily Sun often 352 441 2000. I don’t have any experience with them. Just saw the ad

I saw the ad too and have a family history. I went and got tested for two different studies and fortunately don't have any of the markers in my blood sample to qualify me for either test. They ask some screening memory questions that if you "remember" or know the answer on them, you move forward to a blood test checking for the "markers" for the particular drug test they are running. This is the way it was done for me but not sure if there are other methods for other drug tests. I told them to keep my name on their list of the willing in case any other tests come along.

[jimjamuser]

I think your post is excellent. We have the same type of forgetfulness, especially with words. I can see it, feel it on my tongue and cannot get it out. I put it down to living in TV. Rarely do we have the type of conversation we had when we were working, or the opportunity to sit and converse with younger more intellectual people. Our discussions and speech patterns in TV start and end with Good Morning, how are you, and Well, see you later.

The fear of dementia is ever present as we age. I notice that when we are back with our family, especially adult grandchildren, our vocabulary gets much better. This last sentence says it all, I could have ended with "our vocabulary improves immensely".
I think that "having conversations with younger people" would ONLY have a MARGINAL effect on what is known as WORD-RETRIEVAL problems. I have a friend that is a speech therapist that agrees with me about it being marginal. Plus I am VERY old and I OFTEN have meaningful conversations at the swimming pool with younger 40 and 50-year-old people. This time of year there is a lot of that age group down here visiting (and thinking about if would this be a good place for them to retire). My speech therapist friend suggests getting a memory book that has suggestions of how to create your own memory prompts for associating various things to their noun names. She also suggests doing crossword puzzles and Suduko.

[jimjamuser]

I think your post is excellent. We have the same type of forgetfulness, especially with words. I can see it, feel it on my tongue and cannot get it out. I put it down to living in TV. Rarely do we have the type of conversation we had when we were working, or the opportunity to sit and converse with younger more intellectual people. Our discussions and speech patterns in TV start and end with Good Morning, how are you, and Well, see you later.

The fear of dementia is ever present as we age. I notice that when we are back with our family, especially adult grandchildren, our vocabulary gets much better. This last sentence says it all, I could have ended with "our vocabulary improves immensely".
I have some advice in that situation, "where conversations are not too deep - rather superficial - like something about the weather
.......The answer my friend is blowing in the recreation news wind. There ANYONE can find a PLETHORA (sorry I just could not stop myself) of GROUP activities for both sport and social mental activities.
.......Socrates's motto was MIND and BODY!!!!!! Find both activities in the rec news and improve your word retrieval and physical chances of living longer!

[Nucky]

Wife and I are 86 and 83 respectively.
Crosswords, reading, walking and travel seem to keep us mentally alert.
Not too much television seems to stop brain 'Zombyfying' as well.
Chat with younger people.
We are lucky to have grandson and family nearby, and we regularly speak with him and his teenage senior year class mates.

Health Warning.
Avoid old people as much as possible.
Research has shown that in some cases, over exposure can cause brain damage!:icon_wink:

Well, one thing I can say for certain is you sure are one hip guy for your age. I think the people who are at another level than me (65) are so much more interesting to talk to than people my age who think we know everything. We were surrounded by people older than us but way more active than us and way smarter than us in so many ways. I never rejected their point of view on anything. So many times even when I didn't agree with them they turned out to be in the correct lane on whatever we were talking about.

I hope and pray I can progress to the upper tier age-wise and become a little wiser and stay teachable throughout the rest of my life.

I enjoy the hell out of your posts. Thanks for the laughs along the way. :1rotfl:

[jimjamuser]

Being your age and having had 7 concussions from sports in my lifetime, I feel your pain. I have similar issues when highly stressed or very tired. My mom has serious dementia, and can't remember anything for more than 5 minutes. One of the accelerants of dementia is isolation. Because with isolation, you don't speak so you can lose the use of vocabulary faster than when speaking regularly. The pandemic isolation did my mom in, as well as being a widow starting at age 89, she is now 96. Activity level of regular exercise and regular socialization and good sleep patterns will help slow the advance if you are predisposed to the disease.

All of this information was learned during regular visits with her neurologist until i had to put her in assisted living. And I also learned I was predisposed due to the head injuries, and I do feel those issues as well. . . but I also do crossword puzzles at night to keep the words alive in the brain. . you might want to try word puzzles as a way to keep those words in your active library

doomed guy
I forced myself to self-isolate during the pandemic. I reduced my socialization to only 1 person for about 3 years. About 4 weeks ago I finally felt that it was SAFE to return to normal socialization with REAL people. I STILL avoid indoor groups. But, DO engage with groups for outdoor sports activities. I have a lot of catching up to do (and I imagine that probably about 10% of the US population acted like myself) Three years is a long time to walk away from people and people-oriented activities. It is like returning from prison (I can imagine). I would make occasional trips to Publix wearing a mask and maintaining as much distance as possible.
......I tried to stay in physical shape at home with springs and weights and yard work, but nothing is the same as the activity which produces adrenaline from even MILD competition. My muscles and back are still sore after 4 weeks - it takes longer to get over the initial pain the older you get. also I put on about 15 lbs that I really do NOT WANT or need! It used to take one week to stop the muscles from hurting when I was 20 to 25 years old, now at least 4 weeks.
.......But, I am ALIVE and that was the POINT !
........And my point with respect to the memory/language and AGING issue is that lack of exercise and socialization whether caused by Pandemic isolation or other reasons can cause memory loss and word-retrieval loss.
.......I know because I experienced BOTH.
.......Actually, during that 3-year hiatus of mine, it DID help to engage in communicating with those TOTV-ers with the very positive and intellectual outlooks that many have. I EVEN finally learned not to talk politics and spend time in the solitary lock-up. Although I still think that politics can NEVER be separated from life. And we should have a special section to talk about that ....after all we are all consenting adults.
.........As I mentioned before .....Socrates main statement was "MIND and BODY" so my humble advice is to read the rec news and join an investment club, or a movie club, or a chess club and play something of a physical activity like shuffleboard, darts, yoga, or even that elbow killer......Pickle's ball.....as a last resort........but, hopefully BEFORE GOLF........uugg, uugg !

[jimjamuser]

I have had that issue occasionally for as long as I can remember - one mechanism that works wonders is to give yourself a "short-circuit".

By this, I mean if you grasping for a word, think of a question and answer that has ABSOLUTELY nothing to do with the word you want. Example: "How many arms does an octopus have?" More times than not, this momentary shift will get you back on the main track.
An octopus can have 8 arms MINUS any that he/she recently lost in a fight with a bigger, tougher creature. But, EVENTUALLY, they grow back to 8, I believe.

[jimjamuser]

Research Nootropics -are a class of substances that improve brain function. Also referred to as neuro-enhancers, cognitive boosters, or memory enhancers. Detox heavy metals. Do not cook with aluminum or in deodorant. No fluoride.This is a start.
All the food that my parents cooked for me as a child and teen was cooked on aluminum cookware, which was considered more MODERN than the OLD cast iron at the time (40s to 60s). But, I believe that it was NOT good.

[jimjamuser]

One thing that has NOT been mentioned much IS the fact that as seniors, many of us take prescription medications. And, they all have some side effects, many of which are to slow down the cognitive and memory functions.............I know I have some prescriptions.
.......A sleeping pill will slow your word-retrieval skills down in the morning.

[jimjamuser]

A lot of good referrals in here. I’d like to share that my husband was having some word search issues a couple years ago and I read an article that talked about the brain like a muscle that we need to exercise (especially as we age). It suggested things like reading and puzzles (multiple kinds of puzzles, not just one) as exercise. Hubby has been doing that ever sense and is much improved. As others have said, seniors often experience some word search issues so he still does but much less. And, his ample vocabulary when young has been returning and he can wiz thru a crossword now (almost like his younger years) and only likes the hard sudoku now.

So, I’m certainly not saying ignore the issues. Discuss with a dr (as he did also). But you might also benefit from some ‘exercising your brain’ puzzles too.
Good post!

[jimjamuser]

Are you talking to as many people as you used to? If not, try to call a few people each day and look for places you can engage people in conversation.
Maybe get a parrot................Actually, a lot of older people talk to their dogs. It might help a tiny bit. Plus a forced schedule of walking and saying hi to and talking to other dog owners.

[jswirs]

I'm 65. I have always had, and used a pretty expansive vocabulary- not scholarly but enough to be sure I was understood. I could hold my own in a variety of social situations.

For the past few years I have a lot of trouble finding words. I find that my conversations are now lacking the 'big' words I used to use. When I'm talking, a word that would normally be immediately available to me is now a blank space in my mind, and I instead use a basic word. An example: While talking I might use the 'Expansive" (as in my 1st sentence above), but when I draw a blank I'll instead say, "Big". This problem is not quite so bad when I'm typing.

So, are these lapses on the spectrum Senior Moments?

We are in our mid 70's, and have been experiencing what you have described for the past several years. I believe it is, for the most part, normal. Just as the physical body begins to slow down, wouldn't it be normal for the brain to slow down as well. Of course, this would vary from person to person. I think post # 5 gives an accurate description of the subject in question. Personally, I would not seek any testing unless "I found my car keys but I forgot what they are for".

[ndf888]

My wife and I were tested by them last year and plan to do it again soon.

No cost and think they give a pretty good test on your cognitive functions.

Also medicare wellness test also tests for this but not as complete as Charter Research.

I took a free test at Charter Research and it was very comprehensive. I also took a tau blood test for Alzheimer they offer.

[sharonl7340]

No one mentions taking magnesium (400mg) for this. I went to a neurologist a couple of years ago with this same issue. She recommended 400mg of magnesium. I also suggest B12 supplement, but look to see the type of B12. It needs to be Methylcobalamin.

[virtualcynthia]

Thank you for this post. Is there anyway to save or print this thread. So much great information. I want to save and share.

[jimjamuser]

We are in our mid 70's, and have been experiencing what you have described for the past several years. I believe it is, for the most part, normal. Just as the physical body begins to slow down, wouldn't it be normal for the brain to slow down as well. Of course, this would vary from person to person. I think post # 5 gives an accurate description of the subject in question. Personally, I would not seek any testing unless "I found my car keys but I forgot what they are for".
As to "varying from person to person" - I agree. Jimmy Carter's brain has NOT seemed to slow down. I wish I were more like him. The other day I met a man at the swimming pool that was age 87 and said that he took ZERO prescription drugs. I wish I were more like him.

[ithos]

....

[ithos]

Genetics can have a influence on being afflicted with dementia but a healthy diet and lifestyle will have a major impact on preventing and mitigating its terrible consequences. Of course it takes a strong commitment.

I am referencing this article in part because our medical system primarily focuses on pills, surgery or any other treatment that is financially profitable.

Preventing Alzheimer’s: Our Most Urgent Health Care
Priority - PMC (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6732875/)

The prevalence of dementia is 1 in 10 individuals older than 65 years and increases to 50% of all individuals older than 85 years.

We now know that complex real-life activities around one’s passion and purpose, such as challenging jobs, learning musical instruments, and speaking multiple languages, are most effective in optimizing mental processes and building cognitive reserve and brain capacity.

Sleep has a critical role in promoting brain health. Research over the past decade has documented that sleep disturbances have a powerful influence on the risk for developing neurodegenerative disease.

The most important factor of all for brain health and resilience as we age appears to be cognitive reserve. Cognitive reserve represents the redundancy of neuronal connections achieved through cognitively challenging activities that force the neurons to make significantly more axonal connections than when not challenged

Everything we consume has an energy coefficient because it produces a certain amount of energy in our body. The quality of food based on its nutrient density can profoundly affect the brain at the cellular and genetic levels.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3DSwbCYOwI&t=22s

[Cheapbas]

What makes you think it works? Not doubting you, just wondering what it is that makes you think that?

my thought process is calmer. Answers, ideas, thoughts seem to flow in or be readily available where previously it seemed like I’d have a blank or brain freeze.

[yporter]

Thank you for this post. Is there anyway to save or print this thread. So much great information. I want to save and share.

If you are comfortable on a pc, I recommend using copy & paste into a text file, then saving that text file under a meaningful name in a directory/folder that you know has info. I have done that since I found this chat board, and have a folder labeled ContractorNNServicesRefs that is full of text files (named things like Electricians, Plumbers, GarageDoors, etc) that has lists of people recommended on this forum so when I need to call someone to fix something, I don't have to start searching then. I have found that often the Search function doesn't give me pointers to the same posts I read in the past.

I do the same thing (copy & paste into a text file to save info) when I run across info that I know I want to send to people, or refer to at a future date. I have already done that with info from this thread, since both myself and my husband are in the same 'missing words' stage and have greatly appreciated everyone's responses and plan to follow up on many of the posted suggestions. Thanks to all!

[jswirs]

No one here has mentioned drinking of alcohol. I think alcohol may accelerate loss of memory and cognitive ability.

[jimjamuser]

No one here has mentioned drinking of alcohol. I think alcohol may accelerate loss of memory and cognitive ability.
I would agree that beer, whiskey, and vodka are bad for cognition. Small daily amounts of red wine are likely good for a person.

[JMintzer]

I would agree that beer, whiskey, and vodka are bad for cognition. Small daily amounts of red wine are likely good for a person.

According to Cliff Clavin, beer actually makes you smarter...

"Well, you see, Norm, it’s like this. A herd of buffalo can only move as fast as the slowest buffalo. And when the herd is hunted, it’s the slowest and weakest ones at the back that are killed first. This natural selection is good for the herd as a whole, because the general speed and health of the whole group keeps improving by the regular killing of the weakest members.In much the same way, the human brain can only operate as fast as the slowest brain cells. Now, as we know, excessive intake of alcohol kills brain cells. But naturally, it attacks the slowest and weakest brain cells first. In this way, regular consumption of beer eliminates the weaker brain cells, making the brain a faster and more efficient machine.

And that, Norm, is why you always feel smarter after a few beers.

[JMintzer]

I would agree that beer, whiskey, and vodka are bad for cognition. Small daily amounts of red wine are likely good for a person.

And beer has the same benefits as red wine...

https://www.brainandlife.org/articles/a-daily-glass-of-wine-or-bottle-of-beer-may#:~:text=Research%20suggests%20moderate%20drink ing%20may,doesn't%20turn%20into%20three.

[Boomer]

Thank you for this post. Is there anyway to save or print this thread. So much great information. I want to save and share.



I can help you with that:

Open the thread.

Go to the top of the page where you will see a tab that says Thread Tools. Click on it.

There you will find Show Printable Version, click, and then you can send it to your printer.

Boomer

[Two Bills]

I can help you with that:

Open the thread.

Go to the top of the page where you will see a tab that says Thread Tools. Click on it.

There you will find Show Printable Version, click, and then you can then send it to your printer.

Boomer

I learn something new every day!:thumbup:

[ThirdOfFive]

No one here has mentioned drinking of alcohol. I think alcohol may accelerate loss of memory and cognitive ability.
Yeah, it can. But some believe it works the other way too.

Back in my college years I played a lot of tournament chess. I remember one tournament in Fargo ND when by the luck of the draw I had the opportunity to play Stepan Popel, noted chessmaster and author. He's been gone for a lot of years. Anyway during our game he had a thermos bottle, out of which every now and then he took a sip. I figured coffee. But nope. Brandy! Didn't seem to impair his playing ability in the least.

[CoachKandSportsguy]

Yeah, it can. But some believe it works the other way too.

Back in my college years I played a lot of tournament chess. I remember one tournament in Fargo ND when by the luck of the draw I had the opportunity to play Stepan Popel, noted chessmaster and author. He's been gone for a lot of years. Anyway during our game he had a thermos bottle, out of which every now and then he took a sip. I figured coffee. But nope. Brandy! Didn't seem to impair his playing ability in the least.

The difference between a pro and an amateur. . . but did you beat the chessmaster? I am assuming with your modesty you won. . . :a040:

sux at chess guy

[Eg_cruz]

I'm 65. I have always had, and used a pretty expansive vocabulary- not scholarly but enough to be sure I was understood. I could hold my own in a variety of social situations.

For the past few years I have a lot of trouble finding words. I find that my conversations are now lacking the 'big' words I used to use. When I'm talking, a word that would normally be immediately available to me is now a blank space in my mind, and I instead use a basic word. An example: While talking I might use the 'Expansive" (as in my 1st sentence above), but when I draw a blank I'll instead say, "Big". This problem is not quite so bad when I'm typing.

So, are these lapses on the spectrum Senior Moments?
Be very careful on what doctor you go to. Any mention of memory loss will stay on your medical and can prevent you from being insurable in the future