Last week I lost my keys. After hunting for ten minutes, I finally found them on my garage work bench. How did they get there? I forgot that I went to the garage to bring a huge box into my house and could not hold on to both the box and keys.
Then I thought – do I have memory issues and I am in denial?
Here is a simple list to identify normal lapses some of us have and dementia.[1]
Normal Lapses
Forgetting a name
Leaving the kettle on
Finding the right word
Forgetting the date or day
Trouble balancing checkbook
Losing keys and glasses
Getting the blues in sad situations
Gradual changes with aging
Dementia
Not recognizing family members
Forgetting to serve a meal just prepared
Substituting inappropriate words
Getting lost in one’s own neighborhood
Not recognizing numbers
Putting the iron in the freezer
Rapid mood swings for no apparent reason
Sudden dramatic changes in personality
So I’m safe, losing my keys does not equate to having dementia.
P.S. Pepper, our office dog, died this month. He was 19 ½. Such a great dog. We miss him very much.
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[1] Distinguishing Between Normal Lapses and Problems Due to Dementia, by Dr. Timiras, M.D., Overlook Hospital, Summit, New Jersey.
****** UPCOMING SEMINAR ******
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Join us for this informative seminar, sponsored by Susan M. Graham, to help you understand ways to create your Estate Plan and at the same time increase your retirement security – bring a friend or two!
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