July 15--Do you worry about your memory? I don't know about you, but as I get older, just hearing the word dementia is scary.

When I lunch with friends, the subjects of memory and forgetfulness often come up. Some of the issues we discuss are forgetting an appointment and getting lost while driving.

Another common point of discussion is about forgetting where you put something. How many times have you misplaced your keys, or looked for an object in another room, only to forget what you went after? Going back to the room I came from often works for me -- I immediately remember what I was looking for.

I think many "senior moments" are caused by information overload. We just have too much on our minds. After all, the older we get the more information we have to process and recall.

If we could only demystify "dementia" and get a clear understanding of what it is, maybe we could recognize our memory lapses for what they are and not worry so much, or consult a doctor if we think it is something more serious.

The Savage Senior Center recently sponsored a talk on "Dementia Versus Normal Aging." The director of the center, Edith Williams, and I were among the four attendees. Each attendee has or had a family member or friend with dementia or Alzheimer's disease, the most common type of dementia, according to the Alzheimer's Association.

This talk was another missed educational opportunity for older adults in the area to clarify for themselves and family members the differences between normal aging and dementia. The presenter, Julie Boone-Roth, a representative of Arden Courts, Alzheimer's Assisted Living, in Silver Spring, helped delineate the differences for me and I hope to do the same for you based on information in her presentation.

Genes, lifestyle and disease affect the rate of aging and people age at different rates and in different ways. So, it is not always good to compare your situation to someone else's. Normal memory functions include the ability to: recall events and details of the past; use accumulated knowledge to solve problems or make decisions; understand the relationship of information flow and sequencing; perceive location and time; count and use numbers; and comprehend the functional nature of items such as keys, knives and forks.

Normal aging also brings changes to our senses like hearing and eyesight problems, and our bodies such as weight gain. As we age, we can expect a mild decline in some cognitive areas such as visual and verbal memory, spatial memory, immediate memory, ability to name objects and episodic memory.

We might also learn new things at a slower rate; be more easily distracted; and resist change and develop a rigidity which might slow down our cognitive abilities. I know we can all identify with the "tip of the tongue" syndrome when trying to retrieve information.

Here are some specific "normal or not" examples to simplify the differences:

--It is normal if you can't find your glasses, but it is not normal if you forgot you ever had glasses.

--It is normal to misplace your keys, but it is not normal if you find them and don't know their purpose.

Something might be wrong if an older adult becomes more isolated; shows a decline in planning and initiation; cancels or misses appointments; is unable to manage money, medication or personal affairs; forgets recent events; shows changes in hygiene and appearance; falls or loses balance repeatedly; gets lost in familiar places, is confused or disoriented; repeats questions; and exhibits odd or inappropriate behaviors. Someone showing these signs might also exhibit changes in diet or eating habits; weight loss; personality changes; emotional problems; depression, stress or apathy; changes in language abilities, including comprehension; and unkempt or unsafe living environment. Friends or neighbors might be expressing concern about the individual.

Dementia in itself is not a disease, but rather a set of symptoms brought about by certain diseases or physical conditions. Dementia is a loss of mental function in two or more areas such as language, memory, visual and spatial abilities, or judgment severe enough to interfere with daily life. Its warning signs and observed behavioral changes are, for the most part, those symptoms mentioned in the previous paragraph.

Highland resident Patti Grose's book, "Alzheimer's: It will never be all right!" is written from the caregiver's viewpoint about her mother-in-law's journey with Alzheimer's. This excerpt from her book brings to life the signs and behavioral changes in an Alzheimer's patient.

"In my layman's opinion, Charlotte's signs were so much more than confusion, repeating things, or forgetfulness. Charlotte seemed to lose the 'know-how' of doing ordinary everyday things. She became unaware of the purpose for bathing. It did not occur to her to brush her teeth anymore. She had no sense of being stuffed or having a sick stomach, even after eating a five-pound box of chocolates. It was all so excessive."

To maintain a healthy brain, it is important to stay mentally, socially and physically active, maintain a healthy diet, get enough sleep, reduce stress, avoid head trauma, be heart smart, monitor for depression and get regular medical checkups. Socialization stimulates and opens new pathways in the brain. Memory can atrophy if not used and mental exercise might significantly improve memory for older adults. As Aristotle said, "Education is the best provision for the journey to old age."

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