Currently, an estimated 6.5 million Americans 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s disease—including 280,000 in Pennsylvania alone. While it’s common to experience some issues with memory, thinking and behavior as we age, there is a difference between what’s considered “normal aging” and what is cause for concern. Memory changes that interfere with daily life could be a sign of something more serious-–such as Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) or Alzheimer’s and dementia.

If you or a loved one are experiencing changes with your memory, you’re not alone. According to the Alzheimer’s Association 2022 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report, approximately 12% to 18% of people aged 60 or older are living with MCI.

Learn more about the telling signs and symptoms of these health concerns. This can be useful in taking proactive steps to seek medical attention and to finding out more about making  healthier lifestyle changes.

Tips for Brain Health

Did you know that healthy nutritional choices and consistent excercise may have a positive impact on delaying or slowing the decline in memory and thought skills?  In addition, these things may help to reduce stress, falls risk, and others health concerns that arise for aging adults.

More About MCI

With mild cognitive impairment, people maintain their usual lifestyle, for the most part.  MCI is that early stage of memory loss or other cognitive ability loss which can, over time, lead to more debilitating memory loss.  With Alzheimer’s and the steady decline in memory and cognitive skills, it is common that daily life will be disrupted.

The signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s or dementia may begin by being less noticeable.  However, as people move further from their routine and comfort zone, the chance that it will adversely impact their daily life increases. Getting lost when traveling to well-known places, forgetting things, losing the train of thought while speaking or getting confused are all examples of this impact.

When to Check With Your Healthcare Professional

Early detection and diagnosis are important.  If you notice changes in yourself or a loved one, then it is time to initiate the conversation.  Check in with your healthcare professional and explain what you are seeing or experiencing.  They may suggest some testing to get to a diagnosis or may reassure you that they do not find anything out of the ordinary.  Either way, it is best to take the steps you need to plan for the future, and all the changes that aging may bring.

The Alzheimer’s Association provides a lot of information and resources.  Learn more at their website: alz.org/delval. Or, for Friends Life Care members, reach out to your Care Coordinator and share your thoughts and concerns with them.