When should you start to worry about memory problems?

Dear Savvy Senior: At age 70, I’ve become more and more forgetful lately and I’m concerned it may be an early sign of dementia. Are there any memory screening tools or services that you can recommend to help me gauge my problem, without going to a neurologist? — Forgetful Frank

Dear Frank: Many older adults worry about memory lapses as they get older, fearing it may be the first signs of Alzheimer’s disease or some other type of dementia. To gain insight on the seriousness of your problem, here are some tips and resources.

Warning signs

As we grow older, some memory difficulties — such as forgetting names or misplacing items from time to time — are associated with normal aging. But the symptoms of dementia are much more than simple memory lapses.

While symptoms can vary greatly, people with dementia may have problems with short-term memory, keeping track of a purse or wallet, paying bills, planning and preparing meals, remembering appointments or traveling out of the neighborhood.

To help you recognize the difference between typical age-related memory loss and a more serious problem, the Alzheimer’s Association provides a list of 10 warning signs that you can assess at 10signs.org.

They also provide information on the signs and symptoms of other conditions that can cause dementia, including vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, frontotemporal dementia, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease and others at alz.org/dementia.

Memory screening

A great resource and first step to help you get a handle on your memory problem is the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, which offers a National Memory Screening Program.

This is a free, confidential, face-to-face memory screening done virtually in real time that takes about 10 to 15 minutes to complete and consists of questions and tasks to evaluate your memory. Once the screening is complete, the screener will review the results with you.

Available to everyone, these memory screenings are done daily Mondays through Fridays and are given by doctors, nurse practitioners, psychologists, social workers or other health care professionals across the country.

A smartphone, computer, tablet or any other device with a webcam and internet capability is all that is needed. Request an appointment at alzfdn.org/memory-screening or by calling 866-232-8484.

It’s also important to know that this screening is not a diagnosis of any particular condition but can indicate whether you should see your doctor for more extensive assessment.

See your doctor

If you find that you need further evaluation, make an appointment with your primary care doctor for a cognitive checkup and medical examination. Depending on what’s found, you may be referred to a geriatrician or neurologist who specializes in memory loss or Alzheimer’s disease.

Keep in mind that even if you are experiencing memory problems, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have dementia. Many memory problems are brought on by other factors such as stress, depression, thyroid disease, side effects of medications, sleep disorders, vitamin deficiencies and other medical conditions. And treating these conditions can reduce or eliminate the problem.

Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org.