An 82-year-old neurologist helps us differentiate between simple forgetfulness and the onset of Alzheimer’s

It is inevitable that our brains begin to gradually decline from the age of 45. Gradually, our abilities to think, memorize, analyze and understand diminish. This phenomenon is referred to as cognitive decline. This process can result in a progressive decline in memory and executive functions.

This process can lead to Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia. Fortunately, this neurodegenerative disease does not affect everyone, far from it!

But then, when should we worry? When does memory loss become a problem? A neurologist aged 82, Richard Restak, author of How to Prevent Dementia: An Expert Guide to Long-Term Brain Health (Penguin Random House ed.) sharing for our English colleagues from Guardian his explanations.

Here’s when you should worry

The older we get, the heavier responsibilities we have. As we age, we also see our older loved ones contracting illnesses and dementia is one of them. Faced with all this mental load we may feel like we are losing mental abilities: forgetting keys, the name of an animal, a person, etc.

However, how can we know if this fragility is a reflection of age-related cognitive decline? Are these the first signs of our own impending dementia or simply too trying a phase from which we will recover? Could this just be a normal oversight?

Neurologist Richard Restak wants to be reassuring. At 82 years old, he is well placed to say that “ throughout life, the stress causes a decreased normal brain function. You have memory difficulties, you look for names… There are people who leave shopping centers and are unable to remember where they parked the car. Well, it’s just a normal oversight “.

On the other hand, according to the neurologist, where we should be worried, it’s if you leave the store and can’t remember how you came (by bus, by car, by taxi?).

Clinical professor at George Washington University, he recalls that slight cognitive decline should not worry if it occurs with age. He recalls a dinner many years ago where he was introduced to a dozen new people. “ I had no difficulty remembering the names, but I’m not sure I can do that again today. ”

He points out that memory is based on images, not words. Which explains why we tend not to memorize first names and that’s nothing to worry about.

Some omissions are not worrying: “it is difficult to pay attention to uninteresting things”

According to the neurologist, it is also question of attention, more than memory. If you have more interesting topics in mind than the parking lot where you park your car, it may be that after your shopping you no longer know where your car is. “ It’s harder to pay attention to uninteresting things », he adds.

The memory problems that should cause concern concern more impactful topics. A professor of clinical psychology of aging and dementia at the University of Exeter shares his own experience within the Guardian : “ My experience was telling my mother that I was going to make a big move from Cambridge to North Wales and that I had found a house. And the next morning, she had no memory of it. Then I knew for sure that it wasn’t just a normal oversight “.

Another worrying oversight: you get in your car and you don’t remember how to use all those controls. “ These are the critical moments that should lead you to consult a doctor “.

If you are experiencing such severe memory loss or cognitive changes that are not normal, start by consult your general practitioner.

What can you do to avoid memory loss (or delay it as long as possible)?

It must also be understood that Not all memory loss is linked to dementia. Cognitive symptoms can be caused by heart disease, which affects blood flow to the brain.

But don’t start panicking if you get older and can’t find the name of the actor in a movie you just saw.

Dr. Restak then mentions solutions which could help you limit memory problems. “Try to reduce stress and cognitive function will improve. »

If you can’t get rid of the sources of stress, try to take better care of yourself. Perhaps there is a way to sleep more or take breaks during the day? But don’t you dare do as little as possible because stimulate the brain is also beneficial for memory: working, reading, writing, counting, meeting people keeps the brain agile and reduces the risk of dementia.

“The brain remains very malleable throughout life, and a cognitive reserve can be built up from childhood and at any time over the next 70 years », continues the 82-year-old neurologist. Keep doing new things: learn languages, make music, stay up to date with technology, read books, go to the movies, do puzzles… Never stop exercising your brain!