It is natural that as we grow old we have more difficulties to remember certain thingslike some names or where we left our glasses. These small oversights are part of the cognitive impairment natural of our brain and, if we eat a good diet, exercise regularly and take care of our social relationships, we should not worry too much.
However, some memory problems may be indicative of a more serious problem that requires medical help, such as Alzheimer. Therefore, it is important to recognize the first symptoms of dementia to know when to seek medical help and thus obtain a early diagnosissomething crucial for addressing possible underlying causes.
The Mayo Clinic explains that one of the most common symptoms of memory problems is ask the same questions repeatedlywhich occurs because the person has difficulty retaining recent information, and this leads to constant repetition. Another sign is forgetting common words when speaking, which causes awkward pauses or incomplete sentences in conversations. In some cases, people they mix words or conceptsusing incorrect but similar terms, such as saying “bed” instead of “table.”
Furthermore, the routine tasks that were easy before can become a lot more complex. For example, following a recipe or making a shopping list can take longer and be confusing. Another common symptom is lose objects or placing them in inappropriate places, such as leaving a wallet in the kitchen drawer or keys inside the refrigerator. This behavior, when recurrent, can be a clear indication of memory problems.
Getting disoriented in familiar placessuch as getting lost while walking or driving in a familiar area, is a more concerning sign. This not only creates anxiety, but can also jeopardize the safety of the affected person. Added to these symptoms are unexplained changes in mood or behavior, such as irritability, anxiety or social withdrawal, which often accompany memory problems.
Knowing when to ask for medical help is essential. If memory problems significantly interfere with daily life, such as making it difficult to do normal activities, manage finances, or maintain fluid conversations, it is time to seek professional help. It is also important consult a doctor if symptoms progress over time, if the ability to remember recent information is lost or if there are difficulties finding one’s way around familiar spaces.
In SpainAlzheimer’s disease affects approximately 800.000 personasaccording to the latest data from the Spanish Society of Neurology (SEN). It is the most common form of dementia, representing between 60% and 70% of all cases of this condition in our country. The prevalence of this neurodegenerative disease increases with age, and is more recurrent in people over 65 years of age. However, it can also occur in younger individuals, in what is known as early-onset Alzheimer’s.
The incidence of Alzheimer’s disease in Spain has been on the rise in recent decades, partly due to the aging population. This growth represents a challenge for the health system and long-term care services, since the disease requires specialized and constant care.
