You walk into a room and forget why. A familiar name sits on the tip of your tongue. Everyone does this, and by itself it means very little.
But when a parent starts asking the same question within the hour, or a spouse gets lost on a route they have driven for years, the worry is different. Families often carry that worry silently for a long time, unsure whether to raise it. This article is about knowing when a memory change is worth checking, and why checking is worth doing.
Normal ageing versus something more
As we age, it is normal for memory and thinking to slow a little. Occasionally forgetting a name or an appointment, and then remembering it later, is part of ordinary ageing and not a cause for alarm.
The changes that deserve attention are the ones that disrupt daily life. Forgetting recently learned information repeatedly, struggling with familiar tasks like handling money or following a recipe, getting confused about time or place, and losing the thread in conversations are different in kind, not just degree.
What dementia and Alzheimer's actually are
Dementia is not one disease. It is a general term for a lasting decline in memory and thinking that is serious enough to interfere with everyday life. There are several causes.
Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia. It develops gradually, usually beginning with short term memory, and slowly progresses over years. Another common form is vascular dementia, which is caused by problems with the blood supply to the brain and is linked to high blood pressure, diabetes and stroke, all common here in Trinidad and Tobago.
Early signs worth noting
Beyond memory loss, early dementia can show in other ways. Difficulty finding the right words, misplacing things and being unable to retrace steps, poor judgement with money or safety, withdrawing from work and social life, and changes in mood or personality can all be part of the early picture.
One telling clue is who is worried. When the person themselves is anxious about their memory, the cause is often stress, low mood or ordinary ageing. When it is the family who notices and the person does not, it is more likely to need looking into.
Why an early assessment helps
People sometimes avoid getting memory checked because they fear there is nothing to be done. That is not true, and there are several real reasons to come forward early.
First, a reversible cause might be found and treated, and the memory can recover. Second, if it is an early dementia, treatments and support can help manage symptoms and slow the impact. Third, an early diagnosis gives the person and family time to plan, arrange support and make important decisions while the person can take a full part in them.
How memory is assessed at Newtown
An assessment begins with a careful conversation, ideally with a family member present, about what has changed and when. The doctor will use simple memory and thinking tests, and review all medicines being taken, since some can cloud thinking.
Blood tests are an important step, because they look for the reversible causes: thyroid problems, vitamin B12 and other deficiencies, blood sugar, and signs of infection. Our laboratory is on site. CT scanning of the brain is available here too, which can show strokes, bleeding or other structural causes that need to be identified.
We should be clear about what we do and do not offer. We can assess memory concerns, run the blood work, and carry out CT imaging to look for reversible and structural causes. We do not run a specialist memory clinic, so when ongoing specialist evaluation and care are needed we will refer you to the appropriate service.
Supporting someone with memory loss
If a loved one is affected, a few things help. Keep routines steady and the home familiar. Use calendars, notes and labels as memory aids. Treat the person with patience and dignity, and do not argue over details they have got wrong. Looking after their general health, including blood pressure, diabetes, hearing and vision, protects thinking as well.
Caring for someone with dementia is demanding, and the carer's own health matters too. Do not try to shoulder it entirely alone.
What to do next
If you or your family have noticed memory changes that are affecting daily life, book a consultation. Bring a family member and a list of current medicines. Start with the assessment and blood tests that can uncover a treatable cause.
If confusion has come on suddenly, do not wait for an appointment. Come to our Accident and Emergency department, because a sudden change in thinking needs to be assessed the same day.
Worried about memory? Start with an assessment at Newtown.
Our doctors can assess memory concerns, our laboratory can run the blood tests that look for reversible causes, and CT scanning is available on site at 55 Woodford Street, Port of Spain. We do not run a specialist memory clinic, so where ongoing specialist care is needed we will refer you to the right service. Our Accident and Emergency department is open 24 hours if confusion comes on suddenly.
This article is for general education only and is not a substitute for personal medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider about your own health. If you believe you have a medical emergency, call or visit our 24-hour Accident and Emergency department immediately.