FAQ
I have memory lapses, is this serious?
Take a look at your life. Are you going through a stressful period (retirement, death of a loved one, illness, worries, moving) or are you suffering from fatigue (overwork, lack of sleep, constant drowsiness, sleep apnea, insomnia)? What medications are you taking? It might be difficult for you to assess the cause or gravity of the problem. Share your concerns with your family doctor; he or she will be able to help you. Certain causes of memory or concentration problems can be treated.
I’ve become forgetful, do I have Alzheimer’s disease?
Not everyone suffering from forgetfulness will develop Alzheimer’s disease. In the United States, only 6 to 8% of people over the age of 65 are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. If this disease concerns you, we suggest you consult your doctor and discuss any worries you may have about memory problems. Another good source of information is the Alzheimer Society of Canada’s Web site at www.alzheimer.ca.
Generally speaking, the earlier an Alzheimer’s diagnosis is established, the earlier effective intervention strategies can be implemented. And the problem should not be downplayed. If your memory problems are worrying you and affecting your quality of life, then you should consult a health professional. This person can test your memory and, if necessary, refer you to a specialist to establish a formal diagnosis.
My memory is going to get lazy if I start using a day planner or leaving myself little notes.
False. It’s an efficient strategy to use a day planner to note down your appointments, your to-do list, and the phone calls you need to make. Simply noting down this kind of information increases your chances of remembering it when you need to. These memory aids also provide a routine and framework that will help reduce your stress, which itself can cause you to forget important things!
Are you worried about a loved one?
The ability to retain information varies from one person to another and changes with age. If you are concerned about a loved one's memory problems, it's advisable to consult a health professional. Most people associate forgetfulness with Alzheimer's disease, which can add to their stress and affect their memory even more. However, sometimes these memory problems can be related to a treatable condition (for example a vitamin B12 deficiency).
A doctor can assess the person's sense of direction, listening ability, short- and long-term memory, language, and judgement. If the memory problems are benign, the doctor will be able to reassure your loved one and possibly give them tricks for improving the situation. If the problems are symptoms of a memory disease, the doctor may refer you to a specialist (geriatrician, neurologist, or neuropsychologist). There is help for people with memory problems; the important thing is to talk about them. An early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can slow and potentially delay the progression of memory disease (such as Alzheimer's).
