Alzheimer's Senior Moment
Senior Moments and Alzheimer's: The Top Five Questions to Ask Your Doctor
Everyone forgets something at times. It may be where they put their car keys, a phone number they have known for years or what time an appointment is. This happens to people of all ages, not simply seniors. The elderly, however, often worry when this occurs and wonder if they are showing the early signs of Alzheimer's disease. Here are five questions to ask your doctor if you are concerned about forgetfulness.
1. What is the difference between a senior moment and Alzheimer's? A senior moment occurs when someone experiences a brief moment of memory loss, due in part to a decrease in neurotransmitters in the brain, a normal part of aging. Alzheimer's disease, in contrast, …show more content…
What tests should be done to determine the cause of my symptoms? No one test can determine the presence of Alzheimer's at this time, although imaging technology now allows doctors to see plaques and tangles at an earlier stage. Doctors typically conduct a variety of tests, including a mood evaluation and complete medical history, to determine the cause of the memory issues. Your doctor should explain what tests he or she feels are needed and why.
3. How is a diagnosis made? What many individuals don't realize is a simple infection in the body can lead to signs of confusion, leading some to believe they are suffering from Alzheimer's rather than a senior moment. For example, a urinary tract infection may bring about this problem and have nothing to do with memory and brain functioning. You need to know how the doctor goes about ruling out other problems to ensure the brain is the source of the issues being experienced.
4. What can be done if I am experiencing senior moments and how can I prevent it from progressing to Alzheimer's in the future? Studies have shown senior moments can be a precursor to Alzheimer's, but may also be attributed to other causes. For example, stress often brings about a senior moment, and reducing stress in your life may help to prevent the memory loss from becoming worse. Your doctor can make recommendations about changes in your life that may help to prevent future memory
Everyone forgets something at times. It may be where they put their car keys, a phone number they have known for years or what time an appointment is. This happens to people of all ages, not simply seniors. The elderly, however, often worry when this occurs and wonder if they are showing the early signs of Alzheimer's disease. Here are five questions to ask your doctor if you are concerned about forgetfulness.
1. What is the difference between a senior moment and Alzheimer's? A senior moment occurs when someone experiences a brief moment of memory loss, due in part to a decrease in neurotransmitters in the brain, a normal part of aging. Alzheimer's disease, in contrast, …show more content…
What tests should be done to determine the cause of my symptoms? No one test can determine the presence of Alzheimer's at this time, although imaging technology now allows doctors to see plaques and tangles at an earlier stage. Doctors typically conduct a variety of tests, including a mood evaluation and complete medical history, to determine the cause of the memory issues. Your doctor should explain what tests he or she feels are needed and why.
3. How is a diagnosis made? What many individuals don't realize is a simple infection in the body can lead to signs of confusion, leading some to believe they are suffering from Alzheimer's rather than a senior moment. For example, a urinary tract infection may bring about this problem and have nothing to do with memory and brain functioning. You need to know how the doctor goes about ruling out other problems to ensure the brain is the source of the issues being experienced.
4. What can be done if I am experiencing senior moments and how can I prevent it from progressing to Alzheimer's in the future? Studies have shown senior moments can be a precursor to Alzheimer's, but may also be attributed to other causes. For example, stress often brings about a senior moment, and reducing stress in your life may help to prevent the memory loss from becoming worse. Your doctor can make recommendations about changes in your life that may help to prevent future memory