Do you have concerns about your memory? Are memory problems having an impact on your daily life? Are your memory issues a normal part of the ageing process?

Words like dementia, memory loss and memory impairment are beginning to appear more frequently in the newspapers and on radio or TV. Many older adults worry about their memory and other thinking abilities. For example, they might be concerned about taking longer than before to learn new things, or they may sometimes forget to pay a bill. These changes are usually signs of mild forgetfulness — often a normal part of aging — not serious memory problems.

Some older adults have a condition called mild cognitive impairment, or MCI, meaning they have more memory or other thinking problems than other people their age. People with MCI can usually take care of themselves and do their normal activities. MCI may be an early sign of Alzheimer’s disease, but not everyone with MCI will develop Alzheimer’s.

Some signs of MCI may include:

• Losing things often
• Losing your train of though
• Forgetting to go to important events or appointments
• Having more trouble coming up with desired words than other people of the same age

It’s normal to forget things once in a while as we age, but serious memory problems make it hard to do everyday things like driving, using the phone, and finding your way home. Dementia is not a normal part of aging. It includes the loss of cognitive functioning — thinking, remembering, learning, and reasoning — and behavioural abilities to the extent that it interferes with a person’s quality of life and activities. Memory loss, though common, is not the only sign of dementia. People with dementia may also have problems with language skills, visual perception, or paying attention. Some people have personality changes.

If you, a family member, or friend has problems remembering recent events or thinking clearly it is important that you take the next step and talk to your GP or health professional. You may also make an appointment to meet with a HSE Occupational Therapist in The Memory Harbour to discuss your worries.