It can be a bit of a joke when you've been looking for glasses that were already on your head, or have no idea why you've just marched so purposefully from one room to another. And most people experience something similar as they age. So what is the difference between 'normal' ageing of the brain and possible dementia?
Retaining new information
+ DON'T WORRY if you forget something you were told a while ago, or take longer to work out new tasks, such as how to set up your new computer or phone. 'It's also a common sign of normal ageing to misplace things from time to time and to have to retrace your steps to find them,' says Dr Tim Beanland, Head of Knowledge Management at Alzheimer's Society.
Just as your hair greys and your skin wrinkles with age, changes to your brain also occur. Shrinkage and stiffening of parts of the brain started in your 30s, but speed up after the age of 60, and the prefrontal cortex (responsible for making complex decisions) is one of the areas most affected by natural ageing.
+ WHAT TO DO Get organised. Have particular places you keep things like keys such as a hook or basket by the door, or a specific pocket in your handbag.
+WHEN TO SEEK HELP You're not just slower at setting up your new phone, you've become unable to learn new tasks and can't do it at all. 'It's also a concern if you're repeatedly asking the same question, such as, "Are the doors locked?",' says Dr Beanland. 'Another sign is if you start putting objects in unusual places - placing your keys in the bathroom cabinet, for example.'
Poor judgement
+ DON'T WORRY if you sometimes make impulsive decisions.
This story is from the September 27, 2022 edition of WOMAN'S WEEKLY.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the September 27, 2022 edition of WOMAN'S WEEKLY.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
GARDEN notes
Vibrant annuals and fruit and veg
Springtime IN VENICE
A weekend in this floating city is a feast for the senses
Your wellbeing
LATEST HEALTH SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR MIND AND BODY
Breathe EASY
Do you need an air purifier at home? We find out
Stress-free ENTERTAINING
Enjoy a seasonal prep-ahead spread with friends or family
Bonded FOR LIFE
As a new mother faced the most agonising of challenges, her best friend stepped in to hel
The easy way TO EXERCISE AND HEALTH
You don't need a gym to get fit, just mini bursts of activity throughout the day to get you in shape. Here's how
TESTED BY US!
Dry shampoo refreshes hair between washes - and lifts roots and boosts volume. Here are our favourites
'Coronation Street changed my life'
Actor Georgia Taylor on finding fun and lasting friendships on the cobbles
Your wellbeing
LATEST HEALTH SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR MIND AND BODY