With Age comes Cognitive Impairment.
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In our review of specific differentiations between memory loss, cognitive impairment, dementia and Alzheimer’s, Brett Newcomb and I discuss how some symptoms are more noticeable than others. Determining the cause during the early stages of memory loss is the best method of treatment and the replacement of estrogen and testosterone through bioidentical hormone pellets can offset dementia by 20 years in women.
Cognitive impairment is defined as an inability to focus and concentrate, and often looks similar to Attention Deficit Disorder. Confusion, getting lost, difficulty remembering names of people and places, and the frequent need for someone else to finish your sentences are common signs of cognitive impairment. It is common for this change in memory to go unnoticed between married people because one partner is able to remember things, finish thoughts and remind the other of common information.
Common symptoms of memory loss are exhaustion, lack of energy, diminished social relationships and problems with sexual relations due to lack of energy or desire. When memory loss progresses to the point that there is trouble functioning, an MRI for Alzheimer’s and/or dementia should be performed.
People are often afraid to talk to a doctor about these symptoms out of fear of being told that they have Alzheimer’s and will need to be institutionalized. In spite of the fear, it is important to be tested so that proper treatment can help avoid early loss of mental function.