HOUSTON – Alzheimer’s disease is not a normal part of aging.
Many people think once you reach a certain age, you’re going to get some level of Alzheimer’s or dementia. That is not true.
Aging expert Dr. Macie Smith appeared on the KPRC2+ livestream with advice on how to recognize symptoms of dementia versus normal aging.
“I have my glasses on my face. I’m looking for them. I forgot they were on my face. That’s normal. It’s not going to progress into anything worse. When you start to notice that your memory is getting worse, or you’re forgetting more often than you normally do, or if you notice that in your loved one, maybe that forgetfulness and that memory loss, they’re not able to perform reasonable tasks or routine tasks such as driving home from work, such as making a cup of coffee,” explained Dr. Macie Smith. “When that memory loss begins to impair your daily life, or your physical functioning or cognitive functioning, then that could be dementia.”
How to begin
Start with a primary care doctor
Develop a long-term relationship with a PCP so they know you at a healthy baseline and can help recognize signs of memory loss.
They can also determine if your forgetfulness is coming from something else that’s treatable, like a blood deficiency, infection, or depression.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle
Low salt, low-fat diets are known to reduce inflammation in the body and the brain, which can increase the chances of developing Alzheimer’s.
Be a lifelong learner
Learn a new skill, read new books, and travel.
The more you use your brain cells, the less likely you are to lose them, according to Dr. Smith.
How to approach a loved one with concerns about dementia
“That’s scary to the person and also the family member because you automatically think loss, forgetfulness and ability. You want to have a conversation with your loved one about a routine medical examination. That’s something that everybody gets. You don’t want to single them out to say they’re different or there’s an issue, or you’re going to be a burden,” Dr. Smith explained. “You want to have a routine, natural conversation about seeing the person’s primary care doctor about their overall health.”
Dr. Smith also suggests becoming part of the loved one’s electronic health record. Ask to be on that person’s HIPAA form. Then the doctor can share information with you. If the loved one doesn’t want you on their HIPAA form, then you can help them create an electronic health record where they share the login information with you, and you can communicate your concerns with the doctor that way.
