AARP: How to tell the difference between normal memory loss and memory problems

The University of Cincinnati's Rhonna Shatz, DO, was featured in a recent AARP article discussing ways to tell the difference between normal memory loss and more concerning memory problems. 

Many people quickly think of situations such as forgetting someone's name or where you placed your keys, but one area to watch for is friends or family members noticing mood swings that are not typical for an individual, Shatz said.

“Any new change in mood over the age of 50 should be considered the brain’s way of sending out warning signals,” said Shatz, adjunct associate professor, division director for behavioral neurology, and the Bob and Sandy Heimann Endowed Chair in Research and Education in Alzheimer’s Disease in the UC College of Medicine and a UC Health physician.

“The brain can let you know that it’s not working the way it should be with changes in mood or personality,” she continued.

Individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, irritability or a lack of initiative and motivation for the first time, or those going through a relapse of depression or anxiety, should see a doctor. These symptoms can also cause cognitive symptoms, so it's important to seek professional help to find out what's going on.

Read the AARP article.

Featured photo at top of a mother and daughter. Photo/PIKSEL/iStock.