I have Trouble Remembering Things Does that Mean I am Getting Dementia?

FreeDem Films aim to address your fears about memory loss and dementia and provide practical advice about brain health. We understand that you worry about losing your memory and fear getting dementia. Each of our films answers a key question related to brain health and dementia that will increase your understanding of how memory works, allay your fears or inspire you to consider your brain health and take actions that will improve the quality of your life.

freedemliving.com

Brought to you by the NEIL Programme tcd.ie/neuroscience/neil

The NEIL Program aims to develop, evaluate and deliver NeuroEnhancement to older people worldwide.

Failing cognitive function prevents millions of older adults from living independently.

Our Goal is to enable independent living and improve quality of life by:

conducting research aimed at dementia prevention and cognitive enhancement;

transforming this knowledge into empirically grounded interventions;

and using this information to educate and empower older adults to maintain their cognitive function for as long as possible.

See tcd.ie/neuroscience/neil for further information.

Enhance / Enable / Educate / Empower

Korean subtitles courtesy of Misook Ahn.

Spanish subtitles courtesy of Licet Valois.

Dutch subtitles courtesy of Mirjam Schepens.

French subtitles courtesy of Jacques Gatard and Jennifer David.

Italian subtitles courtesy of Valentina Gigliucci and Simona Salamone.

German subtitles courtesy of Jean Maples.

I have trouble remembering things; does this mean I have Dementia?

As you grow older it is easy to jump to conclusions about your memory. Especially after you have lost your house keys, again. Or drawn a blank when you are faced with someone you know you have met before. These small lases of memory and attention can feel like the end of the world.

It is important to remember that your brain is a very complex organ. Forgetting the odd word or name doesn't mean you are getting Dementia and yet these lapses in memory could mean something.

Many different things can affect your memory; over the counter or prescription medications, excessive use of alcohol, an underlying medical condition that you may not be aware of and even psychological causes such as stress and anxiety or depression.

When you are stressed or feel depressed your brain releases a hormone called cortisol into your blood stream. High levels of cortisol can impair the cells in your hippocampus, a part of the brain vital for making memories. This can make it more difficult for you to create new memories or retrieve old ones.

So you may well have a memory problem but it doesn't necessarily mean that you have Dementia. You need to be aware of your brain health and most importantly see your family doctor about your memory concerns. A doctor can help identify any underlying conditions that might be affecting your memory. Or help you manage stress or anxiety in the healthy way if that is the issue. Or change medication that may be causing your memory problems.

Some causes of Dementia are treatable even reversible. Which is added incentive for you to book an appointment with your doctor for a memory check.

Your doctor might not bring the bad news you have been dreading.

Tengo Problemas Recordando las Cosas, Esto Quiere Decir que Tengo Demencia?

Gauzak gogoratzeko arazoak ditut - Horrek esan nahi du dementzia jasatzen ari naizela?

J’ai des problèmes à me souvenir de certaines choses. Cela signifie-t-il que je suis atteint de démence?

Ho problemi a ricordare le cose – significa che mi sta insorgendo la demenza?

Ik heb moeite om dingen te onthouden - betekent dit dat ik dementie krijg?

자꾸 뭔가를 깜빡 해요. 저도 혹시 치매일까요?

Ich habe Schwierigkeiten, mich an Dinge zu erinnern - werde ich dement?