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Suggest Remedy For Memory Loss In A 76 Year Old

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Posted on Mon, 15 Jun 2015
Twitter Mon, 15 Jun 2015 Answered on
Twitter Mon, 13 Jul 2015 Last reviewed on
Question : Hi,
My mom is 76 years old, I lost my husband a year ago to cancer so I moved in to take care of my mom. After living with her for a few months I noticed that she was a little forgetful, but just chalked it up to her age. But now I am getting concerned because when I was gone to work she was almost in tears and told my daughter " I'm really hurt that you all didn't invite me on the cruise" we are all going on a cruise in Sept and she is and always have been going to go with us, we have been planning it for over a year. Then the other night we went to dinner and she said a few times that she was going to order the jumbo shrimp then about 5 mins. after she ordered it she asked me what she ordered for dinner. this is really starting to worry me. Am I worrying for nothing or do I have something to worry about? She just retired last year and ever since, all she wants to do is sleep. please tell me if this is all normal or what could be causing this please. Thank you
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Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (20 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
sounds like dementia

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

judging by your description, she seems to have dementia. Dementia's first sign is usually forgetfulness. The patient may forget recent memories but still remember old memories. Since you've just noticed it, you'd better arrange for a visit to a neurologist who treats patients with dementia. She may have to do tests like a CT scan or MRI of the brain and some basic blood tests (like complete blood count, electrolytes, etc) , mostly to exclude other conditions as the reason of her dysfunction.

There are some treatments that may help a bit but do not expect much. Also, please make sure that this is a suspected diagnosis. The diagnosis has to be confirmed by her doctor in a real appointment.

I hope you find my answer helpful!
You can contact me again, if you'd like any clarification or further information.

Kind Regards!
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis

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Practicing since :1999

Answered : 3817 Questions

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Suggest Remedy For Memory Loss In A 76 Year Old

Brief Answer: sounds like dementia Detailed Answer: Hello, judging by your description, she seems to have dementia. Dementia's first sign is usually forgetfulness. The patient may forget recent memories but still remember old memories. Since you've just noticed it, you'd better arrange for a visit to a neurologist who treats patients with dementia. She may have to do tests like a CT scan or MRI of the brain and some basic blood tests (like complete blood count, electrolytes, etc) , mostly to exclude other conditions as the reason of her dysfunction. There are some treatments that may help a bit but do not expect much. Also, please make sure that this is a suspected diagnosis. The diagnosis has to be confirmed by her doctor in a real appointment. I hope you find my answer helpful! You can contact me again, if you'd like any clarification or further information. Kind Regards!