[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

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.

Thank you for your honesty.
 

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.

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.

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.

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

Memory loss
 

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

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

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!

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.

See a neurologist
 

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

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

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

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?

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. 😁