So when should you worry?
The Alzheimer's Association has a great web link with the top 10 warning signs that may need to be evaluated for Alzheimer's Disease or a related dementia here: http://http//www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_10_signs_of_alzheimers.asp
Often, one of the best indicators to know whether you should seek medical advice about your memory lapses is if you can remember that you forgot. Sounds strange, I know. But the average person will leave the room when they realize they can't remember what they were there for, only to *BAM* remember just what they were looking for five minutes later and go get it. That evening, you will tell your spouse about the incident and will share a laugh about how frustrating it is to do that, but that it happens to all of us. You remembered that you forgot and were able to share the story with someone else.
A person with memory problems, however, will not remember going into the room in the first place and if they are reminded they they went into the room to do something, they will deny that is true and they may get upset that you would make such an allegation, because surely they would remember it if that were true. In this case, it is strongly suggested that you make an appointment to see a doctor. There could be various reasons for the memory loss including things such as stress, depression or being deficient in certain nutrients or it could be something more serious and a doctor can help figure out what is going on.
For more information about Triple-R, go to: www.tripler.org
