Question: On a recent visit with my parents, I noticed that my 69-year-old father was having trouble remembering people's names and events from the past. Is this just normal aging?
Dr. Amen's Answer:
Memory problems are not a normal part of the aging process. They can be signs of dementia or Alzheimer's disease. If your father is having problems with his memory, encourage him to see a doctor for screening. In our clinics, we give a simple paper and pencil memory test that can help determine if there's a need for further screening.
In general, the earlier you get help for memory-related disorders, the more likely preventive interventions and treatment strategies will work. Unfortunately, 95 percent of people with Alzheimer's disease and related disorders (ADRD) aren't diagnosed until four years after their first symptoms appear. This is often because people are in denial or they are too embarrassed to seek professional help for their memory issues.
Starting treatment in the later stages of Alzheimer's and its related disorders is not as effective. That's why it is so important to seek early screening. If your father is diagnosed with ADRD, you also should get screened annually starting at age 40.
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