Is it depression or dementia? - Anxiety and Depre...

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Is it depression or dementia?

Luba48 profile image
10 Replies

I've been depressed off an on much of my life -- I'm 77. But more recently, I have trouble remembering things. I know that depression and depression meds can do that. But maybe I'm experiencing some memory loss.

Who do I see about this? A psychiatrist?

I mentioned my concerns to my primary physician, and she gave me a "memory test." She showed me pictures of three items and asked me to remember them. I remembered two. She said that was fine.

Really?

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Luba48 profile image
Luba48
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10 Replies
fauxartist profile image
fauxartist

I'd talk to your regular doctor for referrals to see specialists for testing. I know the older I get, the older my brain gets too, and we slow down. One thing I do to help with early onset memory loss, and my existing condition from Long Covid of brain fog, and memory loss, is to help my brain grow new neural pathways. It's simple and nothing needed other than doing some routine things differently, learning something like a new language, or crafting, or doing puzzles, ...anything like that stimulates the brain to grow new neural pathways, keeping the brain learning.

worthytobeloved profile image
worthytobeloved in reply tofauxartist

Very helpful reply.

fauxartist profile image
fauxartist in reply toworthytobeloved

I'm glad it's helpful....best wishes

Downinil profile image
Downinil in reply tofauxartist

Fauxaertist, you bring constructive information to our community. Thank you for that.

Downinil profile image
Downinil in reply tofauxartist

Neuroplasticity.

fauxartist profile image
fauxartist in reply toDowninil

Exactly.... and amazingly simple....I love the idea of just doing different puzzles to keep your brain thinking differently is enough to help keep your brain brighter for a longer period of time it may not have otherwise. It's science, and many things are just nature's course....but I love the idea of doing something fun that also helps our brain is awesome.

Downinil profile image
Downinil in reply tofauxartist

Our bodies are resilient. If we keep our intentions focused on productivity we are capable of amazing results.

LinannB profile image
LinannB in reply tofauxartist

Thanks!

Dolphin14 profile image
Dolphin14

Luba48

I read your bio and you mentioned being bored in retirement. Have you thought of volunteer work?

I've never seen the memory test with visuals. Did she do anything more than that one particular activity? Usually there are a few more things involved.

I'm wondering if a neurologist could help you more?

In reading articles they do mentions some of the " key" things that can tip us off to having worrisome memory issues but that's another one of those things that can be specific to person, not textbook.

One thing is probably true, the more anxiety we have about it the more we it's going to affect us. We will be monitoring everything we do.

I'm not sure if any of this is helpful

🐬

LinannB profile image
LinannB in reply toDolphin14

Yes, it helps. Thanks.

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