As a caregiver, are you noticing signs of Alzheimer's/Dementia in you?

OK. Stop worrying. I am 78, so I know worrying. Here are some things to be aware of. Normal aging of the brain make some things more difficult. NORMALLY more difficult. We get more anxious and we have more trouble retaining things when we are anxious. We cannot "Multitask" anymore.
That is to say we cannot be in the grocery checkout, unloading our things, trying to remember what we forgot to get and where's the Safeway card, and also answer a phone call from Auntie Mame.
There is the forgetfulness. I was supposed to be there. It was on the calendar and I forgot to look. Did I actually tell Joel I wouldn't be there, or just want to REMEMBER to tell Joel? And on and on.
We will forget where we put the keys (if they are misplaced someplace normal that's OK, but if they are in the freezer that's not as good).
If you are worried, get a test. I think you will be reassured. Tell your doc "I want a baseline here."
Generally there are some things to note. If you tried to "put something someplace safe" and then forgot where you put it? Normal. If you put it in the ice cream in the freezer? Not normal.
I am 78 and partner is 80. We are noticing the changes daily now and laughing about them. The problems come when you aren't laughing and you are in denial that they are happening, and your kids are telling you, and you are denying it.
Try to relax about this. Aging is a process. Time passes more quickly. Every Tuesday is garbage can day, by why is every Tuesday now every 15 minutes?
Yes, at 78 and 80 my partner and I are noticing the changes so much, and I won't repeat the "shoe story" I posted today for you. But it's scary! When you notice it, it isn't much to worry over. When you DON'T notice it, or-worse-- deny it, then you could be heading into trouble.
Scary, isn't it? We certainly are quaking in OUR boots!

Dear "Jazzy1349,"

Oh my gosh, no it's not all in your head. I'm 58 and my husband will be 57 soon and we both look at each other when we have these more and more frequent moments with great frustration.

When I was 50, I would laugh and tell people I was having a "junior senior" moment. Now, it's not so funny. I keep saying "I don't remember" to my husband and he keeps saying "I don't know" - what a pair! We both get very frustrated when we can't come up with a specific "word" we want to use.

I used to be an excellent speller and had been in a spelling bee in school. Now, I find it difficult to remember how to spell a lot of seemingly simple words. Also, I have always been able to drive to places all over our city, take different routes with no problem or no directions/maps. Now, it's not as easy. I know some of it is extreme stress as a caregiver but, on the other hand where does that reasoning begin and end?

What makes it scary is that my mom has Alzheimer's and knowing as her daughter, I may inherit the same disease because of genetics.

And yes, we are "getting old."

Another elder person here. I've noticed a change in my short term memory also. It doesn't bother me, though, because I've always been a scatter brain. I've even looked back at my grade school report cards and noticed that teacher's comments were consistent... "easily distracted, doesn't apply himself," If you forget why you've gone into a room but soon remember, you're doing OK. When I get my dementia screening from my PCP, it's a sure thing that I'll flunk the 3 word test. I would have flunked it 50 years ago! And Yea, we're getting old but I don't care. I'm glad I've gotten this far. As Doris Day once sang, "Que Sera, Sera".

I think you're extra paranoid about getting dementia or Alz. because you've been caring for people afflicted with it for so long, that's all. We ALL forget things; it comes along with age. I'm 63 and I know for a fact that my mind is not as sharp as it once was! I have to repeat something to myself a bunch of times if I expect to remember it moving forward. I was speaking to my SIL a short while ago about the same exact thing, in fact, and she's 62..............same things going on with her and it all started around 60.

Now, if you're putting your keys in the freezer or getting lost while driving home from the market you've shopped at for 20 years, THEN you should worry. Otherwise, you're just getting old like everyone else! :)

I would suggest volunteering in something other than elder care. When I was no longer a caregiver I did notice some memory loss. But, the further away I get from that the more my memory improves. Find something that will challenge your brain and that you enjoy.

I think there's a factor that no one has mentioned in the articles analyzing aging.   We have a lot more to remember as we age; we accumulate new information regularly, or are at least exposed to it. I know that I've certainly been exposed to a lot more information since my teens, 20s, and even up into my 40s, and whenever I took a class after that (I still took classes up until I was 48, and would take more now if I could get a good senior discount.)

Our personal "memory banks" are a lot more full than they were when we were young.  And I think data accumulation has accelerated since the advent of computers, then more tech devices.    I've also thought that tech information requires a different form of learning; it's not the same kind of base as history, or geology, or even math...at least for me.  

Today was a really forgetful day; I forgot what I wanted to do just by leaving the room.  So I had to take a break, and redirect my thoughts.    I also find that a bit of exercise helps clear the brain.  And music is also very helpful, and therapeutic.  

I just need to do "a bit" more; last year was kind of a sedentary year in brain and body, with the former focusing more on worrying than creative thinking.  

And that's another issue:   stress and worrying.   I've not read anything about its interference with memory, but I'm positive it does compromise learning and memory.   And for the last year there's been so much coping required, redirecting our positive energy to more basic survival modes.

I suspect depression could be playing a part, particularly over the past year and continuing.

As everyone seems to be telling you so far, your memory lapses sound more like "being 72" than being a caregiver or having dementia. How often do a LOT of us find ourselves in a room asking, "Why did I come in here?". When we don't remember, we traipse back to where we were last and to what we were doing and then we remember, "Oh, yes! I need a red magic marker.".

Some of it is that we are not paying careful attention to the task at hand, especially to routine tasks that we do almost automatically. Check on Internet sometime for "Adult ADD!'"
You'll also come across funny but familiar-sounding stories about
going through the day being constantly distracted and forgetting one thing after another.

Take things one at a time, pay attention to what you are doing, andbe a proud MONO-tasker.

I have to laugh at so many comments about putting your keys in the freezer. My former husband was always misplacing his keys. And yes, one-time 50 years ago we found them in the freezer. After that we always looked there first, even though he never put them there again. Today at 78 he is sharp as a tack mentally, even after having 2 strokes. We each live alone miles apart, and for the most part we are both home-bound. We talk two or three times a week by phone and this outside communication helps each of us with memory as we talk about family and old times. He never could remember birthdays, but I do. Many days I truly don’t know what day it is. I have to look at my computer or calendar and hope that I haven’t forgotten to do something.
Thanks to the other responses here, I have gained some reassurance that at 73 I’m just experiencing the normal aging process, but it sure can be frustrating at times.

First, do not let your fear get the best of you! Do not feed into it. I used to fear getting it because my mother and grandmother had it. I made a CHOICE to stop worrying about getting the "A" disease. See, I won't even say the word! I pray and meditate on positive thoughts and emotions. "I KNOW I will live a long, healthy life and will die with my mind sharp!" Worrying about a madeup future doesnt help anyone. That doesnt mean I dont take preventative measures such as eating walnuts, blueberries, fish and greens everyday. Read, "The Power of Now" by Eckhart Tolle. God bless!

These are all spot on answers and I can relate as I swear I do stupid stuff more after a visit with my 98 year old Dad lol

I do have mild ADD & OCD ( which means I like everything perfect... but not for long)! I’m always doing 50 things at once and obviously many times i misplace something because of that.

I just turned 70 and attribute some to brain farts that come with being older and sometimes wiser. Though I’ve noticed this in people of all ages lately...like the teen check out clerk who asked me twice if I gave him my rewards card and my granddaughter who is always misplacing her phone, even though she’s always on it! I think we’re all just distracted by the current medical and political climate and overwhelmed by our worlds turned upside down!

I know when I go into a room & forget what I came in for, I stop and mentally re-trace my steps and then it comes to me. That’s the difference between me and what my Dad is experiencing, as he doesn’t have the cognitive ability to do that any longer.

Just remember Betty White’s answer when interviewed and asked how she keeps in such good shape, “I live in a two story house and have a bad memory.”

WHO can't multitask? Since I have so many pets, I HAVE to multitask, and it's still happening.... 70 next week! I, too, have mom, grandma and her 2 sisters with Alz, but at this rate, it will never catch up to me.... you either guys, I hope!

P.S. Remember when people said they didn't want to discuss religion or politics? Well, I will no longer be discussing politics or Covid - Keep the Peace!

I’m so glad we are talking about this. I know I have wondered if dementia is contagious as I’ve felt my brain getting more and more slow and foggy. Somewhere I read that your IQ will eventually be the average of the 5 people you spend most time with. Yikes! Scared me to death, with my husband being the major recipient of that time. I do not believe there is research confirming that dementia is contagious. But I agree with others — when I’m with my husband who has a dementia that makes ongoing “intelligent” conversations a thing of the past — I begin noticing my own deficits. I do (and recommend doing) brain building games. I talk with former colleagues as much as is reasonable, I multitask very ineffectively, then I collapse on the couch and let the fog gather when I should be going for a walk or bike ride, etc. I believe that once my husband’s dementia runs its course and I am no longer a full-time caregiver, I will find I’ve lost less brain function than I thought. I’m hoping!

Me too!
So I exercise like crazy, try to eat well, and I try to learn new things to try to forestall it.

They say that creating new neural pathways might help.

Alzheimer's runs in my family, so I have a HUGE chance of getting it. But, I'm trying hard to fight it (even if I can't win).

I think we all have had days where "where did I put that or what was I just going to say" these things happen.  I attribute it to having too much in my memory file and it has to go thru the rolodex to find the answer.  Of course there are other times I can think of stuff that I thought I forgot.  Its part of aging, but if you are truly afraid, I am sure you can get some kind of test done by the doctor to see if you are having issues.  I wish you luck and don't stress so hard.  If you try to remember too hard you won't, take a breathe, do something else and it will come to you.

You are experiencing the changes that come with aging. Yes, I am as well, as is my partner. We're 78 and 80 respectively. Don't worry about misplacing stuff, happens more and more; worry when you start to put keys in the freezer and frozen corn in the cans cabinet. It is more difficult to multitask: That is, don't be in the check out line trying to negotiate your phone while your partner asks if you remembered the milk. You will lose track of time and it compresses as in "It can't be Wednesday AGAIN, I just put OUT the garbage cans". You will find yourself doing odd things if you are doing then while preoccupied. You will WORRY about are you doing more odd things.
Those truly descending into early dementia will not be aware of all these specifics, but they will be fearful and a bit paranoid and worry about NON SPECIFIC things, and will buck up horrifically against anyone who suggests they could be descending into descending into dementia. In fact, that you are NOTICING and worrying is a good sign.
Spelling takes a hit. Things you KNOW very well begin to get more muddy, and you will find proofreading scary. I do, so I often don't do it. Ha, that will teach them.
Normally balance gets worse. But there are great balance exercises on line that truly help. Losing balance more and more can be dementia, also, so that often worries people.
If you are truly worried, talk to your MD and get a short and sweet baseline done. That will help stop the worrying so much. But if you worry, talk about it, because that's a good sign!
Best of luck to us ALLLL!!!!!

A few months ago my brother shared what he'd learned about sleep position and Alzheimer's/Dementia. I googled and learned. I believe a combination of all the ways to help stave off the disease is worth the effort.
I'm in my late 50's taking care of my old mom with Dementia. Both my husband and I have never noticed so much when we forget something since she's moved in with us.
Keep learning and keep doing and keep learning and keep doing.
And as AlvaDeer said, best of luck to us all!

If you are aware that you have "senior moments" you probably don't have to worry.

I am 86 years old. Several years ago I started feeling the same way. When I noticed changes in my Hubby, I suggested we both go get tested. It turns out, he had Alzheimer's and as my specialist told me; "What you have is normal wear and tear on the brain". I had an MRI and a PET scan with a specialized PET machine. Have the doctor show you pictures and snap a copy for yourself. That way you can look back at it for reassurance.

Sometimes, low Vitamin B-12 and Thyroid can make you forgetful. For me B-12 was like a miracle.

I recommend a good physical exam with bloodwork. Then go to a specialist and get at least an MRI.

Jazzy, I think it's appropriate, as well as insightful and helpful, that you started this thread.   It's helped me, and judging from other responses, it's helped others.

I wanted to add a few things that I've thought of while reading through the posts:

"NobodyGetsIt"'s comments on, and if I've interpreted her remarks correctly, "worrying whether we've read about it or not" is an interesting and intuitive observation, especially for current times.    There are so many media outlets, so many sources of information, so  many issues to consider that they're overwhelming.   I like to keep informed, but I get tired of feeling that obligation.

There's so much more happening at all levels, well beyond health and politics, and we now have access to them.   We can, if we rely on Google's translation accuracy, read about our own area in other countries.   It's not necessary to learn other languages b/c of the translations functions available.  (Fortunately I haven't yet become obsessive compulsive about following other countries' activities and commentaries on ours.)

But learning another language presents a different perspective on other countries, and it's challenging, and stimulates our brains.

The introduction of "multitasking" concept is one which I think is fairly new.   Our parents did a lot of that, especially those who lived through the Great Depression and WWII.  But it wasn't so much doing things simultaneously as it was planning and implement aspects while undertaking a multitude of tasks daily.

They didn't have tvs to occupy the kids while they were doing their work.   And, importantly, they were focused on more basic issues of life than are on the agenda today.   Checking the coal bin or oil supply tank was of higher importance than checking FB posts. 

They focused on necessity more than voluntary tasks.   If you run out of fuel in winter, family members will shiver.   If you don't get to social media one day, more than likely it'll still be there tomorrow.   I try to remember that when I get compulsive about sewing something and wanting to get it all finished by a self arbitrary time. 

I also remember how exciting traveling was...seeing all the new places.  Now children travel with the click of the mouse, and don't experience traveling in real life.   The fragrance of autumn leaves, the unique fragrance of running water (especially at Niagara Falls), and other outdoor activities not only widen our experiences, but create memories.   I don't think I've ever remembered an environment when I was typing online, or researching something.  It's just not as positive an experience, and we need a balance of positives against the negatives.

NinjaWarrior addressed creation of new neural pathways.  I think that's an excellent observation; it engages our brain cells, perhaps like a Yoga workout for the brain!

Alva's mention of "negotiating" a phone while in the checkout lines is another aspect of multitasking that can be diverting, but not necessarily.  I'm fortunate that the self checkout lines at one particular store are right next to the indoor plant section.   How much better could it get? ! The greenery is so soothing; I see so many lovely plants and my mind is diverted away from waiting in line. 

I recall that some years ago medical offices became more like business offices, with plants, more diverse magazines, and other amenities.    I assume the goal was to create a more relaxed mood.   I've noticed a few different kinds of offices with similar distractions.   And they work.  

The extensive schedules that most people keep these days, outside of caregiving, are unbalanced, and don't factor in the need for just thinking, being outside, and clearing the mind.

Forest therapy addresses this; we all need to have some contact with nature, and I'm not convinced that it doesn't help us "reset" our brains.

Also, the responsible thing to do is to make sure that your paperwork is in order. With the pandemic, it's even more important. Unexpected things can happen. A will, POA for medical and financial decisions, living will, POA forms at the bank, etc.

When I was taking care of my parents 24/7 I began to feel like dementia was contagious. It was just a few months, but lack of sleep and frequent interruptions made it difficult to really think about anything complicated. And I made stupid mistakes.

Since then, I’ve had a difficult time getting enough sleep. I would fall asleep easily (sometimes when I shouldn’t ), but wake up in the middle of the night, and not be able to go back to sleep. Often worrying half the night. I went to Mayo for a sleep investigation and mental exam. They seemed to think sleep deficit was the main problem. Trazadone helped for a while.

It’s been 3 years, and I’m still struggling with sleep issues , tho it is getting better. So there is sort of a PTSD thing to recover from.

Day to day functioning has been impacted, as it’s harder to concentrate or ignore distractions. I’m constantly misplacing things I had in my hands minutes ago.

I try to discipline myself to focus on one thing at a time, or at least take a moment to be sure it’s ok to switch.

I burned up two pots recently, leaving the stove burners on when something distracted me.

About 3 months after my mom passed away from Alzheimer’s, (when I was in my mid-50’s,) I was tutoring in a tutoring center, and I almost accidentally put in our home computer’s password, instead of the password for work. I thought, Well, Alzheimer’s is starting for me. I told the 9 yr. old student whom I was tutoring about my near-error on the computer, and she said, “We all do that.” She had a password for both her school and home computer, (something I didn’t have to worry about when I was 9, since I went to elementary school “BC,” Before Computers). She certainly wasn’t worried about Alzheimer’s. In your case, if you’re concerned, you can always see a doctor. Since I’m not a medical professional, I think it would be irresponsible of me to give a diagnosis. (I even wrote a book about my husband and I taking care of my mom called, “My Mother Has Alzheimer’s and My Dog Has Tapes: A Caregiver’s Tale.”)

Imho, I believe that it's somewhat beneficial to have a thought that your brain may not be as sharp as it was when you were younger. Be proactive about your health. Know your hereditary factors. However, do not dwell on simple forgetfulness, else you think on it too much.

I think stress has a lot to do with forgetfulness. As a matter of fact I just recently asked my niece if she finds me more forgetful than normal and that I hope I am not getting Dementia/Alzheimer's. She said she found herself forgetful too. I misplaced my cell phone and found it in the freezer one day. That did bother me, though. My niece went out to get the mail and instead of picking up the mail she put her car keys in the box. She is 34 years old. I do not sleep well, I am up every 3-4 hours and find it difficult to get back to sleep. I did restart taking melatonin 5mg and slept well that night. Sleep depravation and stress play a strong role in memory loss/forgetfulness and fatigue in my opinion. I am taking Vitamin B12 per my doctor for low normal B12 which I notice a little more energy.

I am 70 and I sometimes wonder if I am going under the big "D" label also. I am the caregiver to my husband who swears nothing is wrong with him because he can remember what happened 40 or more years ago like it was yesterday. Yes, he can .....sometimes but, more recent things in the past 5-10 years seems to have slipped away from him.
So when I was forced into emergency surgery in Dec.2018, I was scared of what would happen to him while I was in the hospital for a week and I found out the hard way. He decided I was the one losing it and all my things were not where they should be when I got home. He had been looking for an old mistress and let me know I was out of his life as soon as he got me back on my feet so, he had removed everything from sight. Stress set in and literally beat me down to the give up point. But my worst fear was that he might be right because anesthesia caused a lot of short term memory issues. I finally went to his neurologist and my doctor to be tested. I was normal. Everything to do with the memory was attributed to the anesthesia and my age.

I was given a lot of tests that I aced. It was a load off of my shoulders and I decided to live my life as God intended. I do catch myself searching for my glasses, papers I need, forgetting to take my grocery list, and recently, trouble saying words that I know but can't get out. I use brain games on a nightly basis. They do help. I am not afraid to admit my memory isn't what it used to be. Doctor said anesthesia can cause that and I've had 13 surgeries with 2 of them in Dec 2018, 2 weeks apart. I fought cancer and seems I won. Don't let a bit of age related memory lapse take over your life.

I am not on meds for the small lapses but, my husband was diagnosed with dementia and onset alzheimers and is on 4 medications.
The best to you.

I think, as a caregiver, you are much more aware of these things than non-caregivers. Heard specialist say last week that if you forget where the car keys are, it's not a big deal. If you forget what they are for, it is.

My father passed in 2019 and since then, I feel like I have inherited some of the physical issues he had when he was living. Won't go into details, but did your spirit slip inside of me, Dad, when you were exiting?

I know if I do end up with dementia, I surely don't want to be imprisoned in a memory care wing like he was. There has to be a better way. I hope we find one.