incidents can be more useful than trying to assign yourself a memory score.
For example, note whether the person has repeatedly missed appointments, forgotten recent conversations, become lost, struggled with familiar bills, left appliances on, repeated questions, or shown an unusual decline in judgment.
Recording approximately when the changes began and whether they are becoming more frequent can provide useful information during a medical appointment.
When to Talk to a Healthcare Professional
Consider seeking medical advice when memory or thinking problems are persistent, worsening, noticed by other people, or beginning to interfere with everyday responsibilities.
There is no need to wait until someone has lost significant independence before asking for an evaluation.
New problems with managing money, medications, cooking, driving, appointments, navigation, communication, or personal safety are particularly important to discuss.
Final Thoughts
Occasional forgetfulness does not automatically mean Alzheimer’s disease, and aging does not inevitably lead to dementia.
The
