Do I have dementia? ~ When to seek help for yourself
Who hasn't walked into another room just to stop, look around, and think "what did I come here for"?
That is a normal part of living with a human brain and we all experience transient moments where our short-term memory fails us. How does one know when it is time to seek a professional assessment of memory issues?
The first step is noticing you have concerns about your memory. Pay attention to the details surrounding your concerns and keep a diary of traits causing you concern such as forgetting those around you, tasks you are completing or where you are driving.
Examine if there may be other reasons that would explain the behavior such as medication side effects, stress, or other medical issues such as diabetes or depression. You can use the Alzheimer's Association Guide for Those Who Have Noticed Changes In Themselves to assist you through this process.
Once you have determined there may be a cause for your memory-loss concern, it is imperative to talk to those around you that know you well and trust. Share your own suspicion, assessment and findings with a trusted loved one.
Do they share your concerns? Have they noticed any other suspect behavior? This conversation can be very hard, scary and possibly embarrassing, but it is necessary. Ask them to accompany you to any medical appointments to assist with communication and provide support.
