1. Memory and Aging Educational Presentation Presented by Tessa Lundquist, M.S. University of Massachusetts Amherst

2. Overview Goals Increase knowledge about aging and memory Understanding your risk for memory impairment Benefits of knowing more about your memory Raise self-confidence to seek a memory screening Presentation, reflection, and discussion

3. Aging Memory Some types of memory stay the same or improve with age Memory of concepts and general facts and information Vocabulary and language skills Memory of how to do things and perform tasks Using familiar objects (can opener, etc)

4. Changes in Aging Memory It may feel like your memory is getting worse Some parts of memory change with age …and this is normal Some decline in memory of recent events Decrease in ability to do multiple tasks at once “Tip-of-the-tongue” phenomenon

5. Changes in Aging Memory Examples: Forgetting where you left things you regularly use Accidently calling someone by another person’s name Having trouble remembering details of a conversation Walking into a room and forgetting why you went to that room Becoming more easily distracted This information usually comes back after a brief pause These lapses in memory do not occur consistently Brief lapses in memory like this are usually not cause for concern Normal memory changes are noticeable and frustrating…but they do not affect daily functioning

6. Memory Changes Not Normal for Aging Certain memory changes that are not normal for aging Memory loss that disrupts daily life Forgetting recently learned information Forgetting important dates or events Difficulty planning or solving problems, like keeping track of bills Struggling to complete familiar tasks Confusion about time and place Difficulty following a conversation Asking the same question again and again (and again)

7. Possible Reasons for Memory Decline Mood Medications Undertreated or undiagnosed medical conditions Sleep disturbances Stress

8. Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) Subtle but noticeable change in cognitive functioning, memory, and thinking skills Memory changes occurring very often, other people notice your lapses in memory Does not interfere with everyday functioning Amnestic MCI and Non-amnestic MCI Diagnosis of MCI or dementia involves: Thorough medical history, assessment of daily function and activities, input from a family member, mental status, neurological exam, neuropsychological evaluation, lab tests

9. Risk of Developing MCI Causes currently unclear; due to brain changes Risk factors for MCI and dementia include age, family history, and conditions raising risk for cardiovascular disease Prevalence rates: 10-20 % of adults age 65 and older may have MCI Increased risk of developing dementia, however, some with MCI do not get worse, some get better

10. Dementia Dementia is an overall term that describes a wide range of symptoms Decline in memory or other cognitive skills Affects daily functioning Alzheimer’s disease most common form of dementia Other types of dementia Vascular Dementia Dementia with Lewy bodies Parkinson’s disease Frontotemporal dementia

11. Memory Screening If you have any concerns about your memory, you can have a brief memory screening What is a memory screening? Questions to test memory and other thinking abilities Memory impairment is NOT diagnosed during a memory screen If positive screen, seek further evaluation

12. Memory Screening Where and How? Physician office Special events such as National Memory Screening Day In the community/in senior centers Memory screens at the Belchertown Senior Center Free and brief Monday (Next week!) 7/14 between 10am and 12pm Sign up ahead of time- 15 minute time blocks

13. Benefits of memory screening Put your mind at ease if there is no evidence of a memory disorder at the present time Find out if further evaluation is needed Some causes of memory loss are treatable If there is evidence of memory impairment or another chronic condition, getting further evaluation can be beneficial

14. Vignette: What should Maria do? Maria has been a teacher for 35 years Forgetting details and becoming disorganized while teaching Family and friends have noticed her memory decline Maria’s boss thinks she should see a doctor Maria is unsure of whether this is just forgetfulness or signs of a memory disorder

15. Reflection What should the woman in the vignette do about her memory? Take a few minutes to write down your thoughts Open discussion

16. Questions and Discussion Information about aging memory and memory decline Mild Cognitive Impairment and dementia Risk of developing MCI Memory screening and the benefits of knowing about your own memory Vignette