Many of us have wondered whether signs of forgetfulness are normal or the start of a more serious memory or cognitive problem.
As we age we forget people’s names or misplace things from time to time. We immediately wonder if we developing Alzheimer’s disease.
What is Alzheimer’s disease? A disease that causes large numbers of nerve cells in the brain to die. These changes make it hard for a person to remember things, have clear thinking, and make good judgements.
Damage to the brain likely starts a decade or more before memory and other cognitive problem appear. What is mild cognitive impairment? Also called MCI. It is a medical condition that causes people to have more memory problems than other people their age.
The signs of MCI are not as severe as those of Alzheimer’s disease. In a world hungry for hope the National Institute on Aging is raising awareness about brain health.
Dr. Marcelle Morrison-Bogorad, Alzheimer’s Association, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, the National Institute of Mental Health and more Institutes and scientists are incredibly informative and well researched as they explain scientific research to the families and friends of AD patients and the public.
The only constant about the brain is that it is always changing-even after it reaches maturity. The change in brain function is to be expected as we age.
This process is called “brain plasticity” – as we experience the world and practice habits. What causes Alzheimer Disease? A combination of age-related brain changes, genetics, and factors related to health, environment, and life style play a role in the development and course of AD.
A family health history can help you and your doctor know if Alzheimer Disease runs in your family. Learn about genetic and other risks for early-and-or late onset AH. It is not easy but we must embrace aging and make it the best it can be.
Our community has many events and organizations covering a range of broad issues and concerns for older people.
We have “Age Friendly Saco.” A community for a Lifetime is to promote active aging by optimizing opportunities for health, engagement, and safety while removing barriers that prevent our citizens from remaining in their homes as they age .This will be accomplished through engagement with local organizations as well as collaboration with the city of Saco and the recruitment of volunteers for the delivery of services that will empower residents to remain a part of their community. Maine leads the nation!
Some 40 Maine towns have now joined the AARP Network of Age-Friendly Communities.
All interested persons are invited to attend the Saco Coin and Currency Club, second and fourth Wednesday of the month, 7 pm., Saco City Hall, Saco.
For more information, call Ed Warner at 283-9369. Or send an email to [email protected]
Comments are not available on this story. Read more about why we allow commenting on some stories and not on others.
We believe it's important to offer commenting on certain stories as a benefit to our readers. At its best, our comments sections can be a productive platform for readers to engage with our journalism, offer thoughts on coverage and issues, and drive conversation in a respectful, solutions-based way. It's a form of open discourse that can be useful to our community, public officials, journalists and others.
We do not enable comments on everything — exceptions include most crime stories, and coverage involving personal tragedy or sensitive issues that invite personal attacks instead of thoughtful discussion.
You can read more here about our commenting policy and terms of use. More information is also found on our FAQs.
Show less