When should memory problems cause concern?

Q. I’m 78 and I’m forgetting things more often now. Should I be worried?

For starters, worrying is a waste of time. If you think your forgetfulness is the sign of the onset of Alzheimer’s, get to a doctor for a checkup.

The scary truth is that Alzheimer’s begins with difficulty remembering the familiar - people, things, events. Or, you start having trouble doing simple arithmetic in your head. These annoyances are common to seniors with healthy brains, so most of us don’t get too worked up over them.

But, as Alzheimer’s progresses, it can make people forget how to brush their teeth or change channels on a TV. And it gets worse until patients require complete care.

So, when should you go to your doctor to discuss your memory lapses? That’s a personal judgment call. I’ve found that I can’t remember the names of movie stars and ballplayers the way I used to. I attribute this to what I call the “overloaded filing cabinet.” As we get older, we accumulate so many memories that it’s impossible to find the one we want.

I’m not sufficiently concerned about my memory difficulties to mention them to my doctor. But if you are concerned, get tested.

The available tests include a thorough physical, neurological and psychiatric evaluation. A medical history will probably be taken. This history includes information about use of medicines, diet and past medical conditions. Blood and urine tests may be done. There are also mental tests of memory, problem-solving and language. A brain CT scan could be ordered.

If you’re having some memory lapses, go to the doctor with a positive attitude. The fact is that many different medical conditions may cause Alzheimer’s-like symptoms. Some of these medical conditions may be treatable. You could be suffering from the effects of a high fever, dehydration, poor nutrition, reactions to medicines, thyroid problems or a minor head injury.

And then there are those pesky emotions. Feeling sad, lonely, worried or bored can affect people facing retirement or coping with the death of a loved one. Adapting to change can make you forgetful.

There are benefits to an early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s. Knowing early helps patients and their families plan for the future.

It gives them time to discuss care while the patient can still participate in decisions. Early diagnosis also offers the best chance to treat the symptoms of the disease.

Today, some people with Alzheimer’s are given drugs to treat some of the disease’s symptoms.

Scientists are working to develop new drugs to treat Alzheimer’s.

Although research is helping us learn more about the disease, we still do not know what causes Alzheimer’s, and there is no cure.