Southwest Florida's Health and Wellness Magazine Health and Wellness Articles
By Amy Hoffmann Schenk, RN, BSN, MS Ed, Community Engagement Lead Neuropsychiatric Research Center of SW Florida
Is it normal to have problems with our memory as we get older? Are you concerned that your memory seems to be getting worse? Do you just chalk it up to old age and living in a fast paced world? Doesn’t everyone have memory problems as they get older? Do you wonder if maybe your “senior moments” are something more? Why would someone want to know if their memory issues are more serious?
Many of these questions are things that may go through our minds as we get older. And just like wrinkles, gray hair and other physical changes, normal aging impacts our brain and memory. If memory changes are part of the normal aging process, how would you know if those changes may be an indication of something more concerning?
One of the issues to overcome is the stigma surrounding memory issues. The results of a survey conducted by AARP in 2020 showed that nearly 20% of adults over the age of 40 said they would feel ashamed or embarrassed if diagnosed with dementia. What may cause these types of feelings? Misinformation and personal experience may play a role in this perception. There may be the thought that significant cognitive decline inevitably leads to dementia and that this is part of the aging process. Many people have seen relatives live with memory issues and dementia. The loss of independence can be an underlying concern fueling the fear of memory issues.
Despite these potential barriers, it’s important to get a memory screen. Even if you are not having memory issues, getting a baseline memory screen is as important as other health screenings.
Over the next few months, I am going to introduce you to a wonderful woman who is currently living with Alzheimer’s disease. Lee Belanger is a participant in one of the clinical trials at the Neuropsychiatric Research Center (NPRC). She is positive, energetic, passionate and loves to share her story for the benefit of others. She is a tangible example of someone living their life fully and giving back to others through volunteer work, while living with Alzheimer’s disease. Lee is an NPRC Research Ambassador. I have spent some time interviewing Lee and here are some of the things we have discussed.
Amy: What happened that made you concerned that something may be wrong?
Lee: Four years ago, I tried to start my Instant Pot that I had used for three years, and I couldn’t remember the sequence to start it. I was frustrated and when I still couldn’t remember the sequence after an hour, I realized this was not age-related aging.
Amy: Did you or your friends and family notice any other things that were concerning?
Lee: No, however it’s possible there were issues that we missed.
Amy: What made you take action?
Lee: I have always attacked difficult issues head on and knew that doing nothing was not an option. I also knew that if I had some type of dementia, there could be some steps I could take to slow or perhaps even stop it. I don’t understand why attacking memory issues or dementia is any different from attacking cancer or heart disease. If we don’t try to stop any disease we may have, we can surely lose our quality of life sooner. Living longer while in poor health did not appeal to me. The thought of doing nothing seemed to be a waste of time.
Amy: How did you know where to go once you made the decision to take action?
Lee: By coincidence I had just attended a lecture provided by the NPRC team on the difference between age related memory issues and dementia. When I found out I could get a free memory screen at NPRC, I made an appointment.
Join us in the next few months to learn more about Lee’s journey as well as her suggestions and recommendations. If you are now inspired to get a free memory screen, contact NPRC at 239-939-7777. Please bring a list of your current medications to your appointment. The screening and all services provided at the center are at no cost to you and we do not ask for any insurance information. Take charge of your brain health and schedule your free memory screen today!
#Memoriesmatter
Contact NPRC at 239-939-7777
today for your free memory screen.
References:
www.aarp.org
