Trouble remembering things is a common issue many people face in today’s fast-paced and information-heavy society. However, in some cases, memory loss can be an early warning sign of more serious problems, such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. But how can you tell whether you’re just dealing with typical age-related memory changes or signs of Alzheimer’s? Here are five key differences between the two, as outlined on the Alzheimer’s Association website:
- Poor judgment and decision making vs. making a bad decision once in a while: Alzheimer’s is often characterized by consistently poor judgment and decision making, while typical age-related changes might involve making a bad decision occasionally.
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Inability to manage a budget vs. missing a monthly payment: People with Alzheimer’s may struggle to manage their finances and budget effectively, whereas someone experiencing normal age-related memory changes might miss a monthly payment but quickly realize their mistake and rectify it.
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Losing track of the date or season vs. forgetting which day it is and remembering later: Alzheimer’s can cause people to lose track of time, unlike typical age-related memory loss where someone might forget the day momentarily, only to remember later.
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Difficulty having a conversation vs. sometimes forgetting which word to use: Alzheimer’s sufferers may struggle with conversations and lose their train of thought more frequently, while those with age-related memory issues might have occasional lapses when searching for the right word.
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Misplacing things and being unable to retrace steps to find them vs. losing things from time to time: A person with Alzheimer’s might consistently misplace items and be unable to remember where they were last seen, while someone with normal age-related memory loss might lose things occasionally but be able to retrace their steps to find the missing item.
Taking preventative action to protect your brain and maintain good cognitive health is crucial, especially since conventional medicine is currently unable to slow the progression of dementia. One of the main contributors to cognitive decline is inflammation, which can break down neural networks and impair memory function.
One way to combat inflammation is to maintain a healthy diet that is free of immune system irritants, such as processed foods, refined sugar, trans fats, artificial sweeteners, and chemical additives. Consuming a diet rich in complete proteins, antioxidants, minerals, and foods with anti-inflammatory effects, such as omega-3 fatty acids, can help support cognitive health. Coconut oil, which contains medium-chain fatty acids, has also been noted for its positive effects on brain function.
Additionally, maintaining an optimal digestive tract is essential for proper immune system function. Ensuring that nutrients are properly digested, absorbed, and assimilated can help minimize inflammation and support overall cognitive health.
Another important factor to consider is your body weight and fat levels, as excessive body fat can contribute to inflammation. Toxins stored in fat deposits can lead to immune system malfunction, further increasing the inflammatory load on the body.
Making sure that you have adequate levels of vitamin B12 is also crucial, as low B12 levels are associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease. As you age, your body’s ability to absorb B12 from food decreases, so supplementation or injections might be necessary to maintain healthy levels.
Lastly, certain supplements can help protect your brain power and memory function. Research shows that the brain has remarkable healing capabilities when provided the right conditions. By taking proactive steps to support your cognition and overall health, you can reduce your risk of developing serious memory issues like Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.
