As the years go by, it is normal for memory to worsen. The prevalence of mild cognitive impairment is estimated to be between 15% and 20% in people age 60 and older, according to the Mild Cognitive Impairment study, published in 2016 in the journal Continuum of the American Academy of Neurology by Ronal C. Petersen, director of the Mayo Clinic Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center and the Mayo Clinic Study of Aging.
This deterioration can be a slow and progressive process, and the person is not always aware of their memory lapses and how they are losing the ability to remember. For this reason, it is not frequent to go to a family doctor to tell him that, for example, he tends to forget to carry out some daily acts more frequently, such as taking the keys to the house or the mobile phone when going out into the street.
The best prevention of memory failures is not to ignore them.
The first memory test validated by specialists has recently been published on the Neuralex website, which helps to know if you should consult your doctor about your memory failures. It is intended both as a self-test and to be carried out by a close relative or relative. Its realization is completely anonymous and free without the need for registration.
Based on the answers given, the state of the memory is assessed: if there are more memory lapses than usual or if the forgetfulness falls within reason. In the first case, it is advisable to see a doctor for a rigorous evaluation. This Test is based on the Memory Complaints Scale and has been prepared with the advice of Dr. Pedro Montejo (psychiatrist) and Dr. Mercedes Montenegro (neuropsychologist), both experts in evaluation and intervention in Memory and Cognitive Impairment.
Sometimes, a worse memory can be due to specific situations, such as going through a moment of greater stress (for example, before an important exam is close). Bad lifestyle habits or an unhealthy diet can also play a role, and the intake of some medications can reduce our cognitive function. Even the combination of several of these causes can enhance each other’s forgetfulness. For this reason, evaluation should be placed in the hands of a physician.
Precisely, at the XXIX National Congress of General and Family Medicine (SEMG) that was recently held, Dr. Alberto Freire, family doctor and head of neurology for this society, highlighted the importance of primary care consultation to detect mild neurocognitive impairment as soon as possible.
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