"Senior moments," like forgetting a name or misplacing keys, can be unnerving.
In a 2015 report, the Institute of Medicine commented that “What is dismissed as a minor inconvenience at 25 years of age can evolve into a momentary anxiety at 35, and a major source of personal worry at age 55 or 60.” But should we worry?
By middle adulthood, subtle changes begin to occur, most noticeable in how fast we process information and the time it takes to retrieve something from memory. These changes are normal, though sometimes annoying.
When should I worry and seek testing? Certain cognitive changes serve as warning signs that thinking has begun to change in ways beyond what is normal. Notably, memory loss is never normal. Other warning signs include repetitive questioning, getting lost in familiar areas, and changes in mood.
If you notice changes that concern you, the best step is to get evaluated by an experienced medical professional.
Contributor
Dr. Amy Sanders, MD, FAAN
Sunday Health Dementia Neurologist
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