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As we age, both our bodies and our brains change. We slow down, physically and mentally. Sometimes we struggle to find the right words, recall someone's name, or remember where we left the car keys. So, what is a regular part of aging, and when should you be concerned about brain change?
Common normal brain changes include: occasionally making a bad or poor decision; missing a bill once in a while; waking up and forgetting what day it is, but easily being able to remember or figure it out; occasional word finding difficulty, not being able to find the right word, slower word recall; difficulty with multi-tasking; needing increased time to learn a new skill or task; and misplacing things from time to time.
Brain changes that are not considered typical aging include: frequent poor decisions noticed by others; difficulty paying monthly bills, especially if someone was usually timely with bill paying; losing track of days, weeks, or seasons (thinking it’s June when it’s December), missing seasonal cues; frequently repeating the same question or telling the same story; often misplacing items or losing things; confusing items like the phone for the remote; changes in mood or temperament; difficulty sequencing tasks or following directions; getting lost going to a familiar location.
If you are noticing changes in yourself or someone close to you and are concerned, speak with your physician. Difficulty thinking can be due to several factors, and only a qualified physician can determine the root cause.
DISCLAIMER: THIS INFORMATION IS NOT A DIAGNOSTIC TOOL. If you or a loved one is concerned about brain change, please speak with your physician for an accurate diagnosis.
Author: Jennifer Stover, NBC-HWC
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