Is It Dementia or Just Poor Memory? Cognitive Issues

Is it dementia or just poor memory?

I have never had a great memory, but recently it has become even more exaggerated.
Despite reminders, I still cannot recall certain events.
Here are the details: 1.
I forgot how my daughter got home after school the previous day.
When I asked her, she said she walked home by herself, and I was at home at the time, but I have no recollection of it at all—no images in my mind! 2.
After returning home, my husband parked the car outside, and we walked home.
However, an hour later, I noticed the car was not in front of the house.
I asked the kids where the car went, and they said, "Didn’t Dad just park it outside? We walked home." But I truly cannot remember; I keep thinking we got out of the car right in front of the house.
3.
When I was getting ready for bed, I clearly turned the light to a dim yellow light before going to the bathroom, but when I returned to the room, it was in bright daylight mode.
I even asked my husband why he turned it bright when we were about to sleep, and he said, "You turned it on yourself," but I still have no memory of that! I have had poor sleep quality for over ten years; it's not that I have trouble falling asleep, but I always dream, and most of the dreams are stressful.
My body fat percentage is 31%, but my blood pressure is on the low side (90-100/40-60).
I really want to know if I am showing symptoms of dementia, or if it is just neurosis, or simply poor memory.
I would appreciate your insights, thank you!

Ru Ya, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/05/23

Dr. Xiao Minghong reply Psychiatry

Dear Miss Ya,
According to statistics, the prevalence of dementia in individuals under 65 years of age is approximately 0.1% based on data from the International Alzheimer's Association.
If you do not have a significant family history of dementia, a history of alcohol use, past head injuries, or specific physiological conditions (such as epilepsy or multiple sclerosis), the likelihood of dementia at your age is low.

Common reasons for young individuals to perceive their memory as poor include:
1.
Multitasking or excessive fatigue, which can lead to forgetfulness.
2.
Chronic sleep disturbances, affecting memory consolidation during sleep.
3.
Not necessarily poor memory, but rather difficulty concentrating, often resulting in forgetfulness from a young age; this may be indicative of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), which can persist into adulthood.
If you would like to explore more detailed reasons or further improvement strategies, I recommend visiting a psychiatric outpatient clinic for reassessment.
Wishing you all the best!
Sincerely,
Dr.
Hsiiao Ming-Hong

Reply Date: 2016/05/23

More Info

It sounds like you are experiencing significant memory issues that are causing you distress and concern. Memory problems can arise from a variety of factors, and distinguishing between normal forgetfulness and potential cognitive decline, such as dementia, can be challenging.
Based on the examples you provided, it seems that you are struggling with episodic memory, which is the ability to recall specific events from your past. Forgetting details about your daughter's return from school, the location of your car, and even actions you took shortly before going to bed can be indicative of a more serious issue, especially if these occurrences are becoming more frequent and severe.

Dementia is a broad term that describes a decline in cognitive function severe enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia, characterized by progressive memory loss, confusion, and changes in behavior. However, not all memory issues are indicative of dementia. Conditions such as anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, and even nutritional deficiencies can lead to cognitive difficulties.

Your history of poor sleep quality and frequent dreams, particularly if they are anxiety-laden, could be contributing to your memory problems. Sleep is crucial for cognitive function, including memory consolidation. Chronic sleep deprivation can lead to difficulties in attention and memory recall, making it harder to retain new information or recall past events.

Additionally, your low blood pressure and high body fat percentage could also play a role in your cognitive health. Low blood pressure can lead to reduced blood flow to the brain, which may affect cognitive function. It's essential to address these physical health issues alongside your cognitive concerns.

Here are some steps you can take to better understand your situation:
1. Consult a Healthcare Professional: It's crucial to speak with a neurologist or a geriatrician who specializes in cognitive disorders. They can conduct a thorough assessment, including cognitive testing and possibly brain imaging, to determine if there are underlying conditions contributing to your memory issues.

2. Sleep Evaluation: Since you have a long-standing issue with sleep quality, consider undergoing a sleep study. Sleep disorders such as sleep apnea can significantly impact cognitive function and memory.

3. Mental Health Assessment: Given the potential impact of anxiety and depression on memory, a consultation with a mental health professional may be beneficial. They can help assess your mental health and suggest appropriate interventions.

4. Lifestyle Modifications: Improving your overall health can have a positive impact on cognitive function. This includes maintaining a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, managing stress, and ensuring you have good sleep hygiene.

5. Memory Training: Engaging in memory exercises and cognitive training can help improve your memory skills. Activities like puzzles, reading, and learning new skills can stimulate your brain.

6. Monitor Changes: Keep a diary of your memory lapses and any other cognitive changes you notice. This information can be valuable for your healthcare provider in understanding your situation.

In summary, while your symptoms may be concerning, they do not automatically indicate dementia. A comprehensive evaluation by healthcare professionals is essential to determine the underlying causes of your memory issues and to develop an appropriate treatment plan. Taking proactive steps to address your health and cognitive function can lead to improvements and a better quality of life.

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