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FRIDAY, July 13, 2018 (HealthDay News) – If you're middle-aged and you think you're losing your memory, you're not alone, a new US government report shows.
In fact , one in nine Americans aged 45 and older say they are experiencing thinking. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Noticing a decline in your mental abilities ("cognitive decline") is one of the earliest signs of impending Alzheimer's disease or dementia.
"Symptoms of confusion and memory loss are not a normal part of aging, "said lead researcher Christopher Taylor, a CDC epidemiologist. "
One Alzheimer's expert noted" [Adults with confusion or memory loss]
"This survey is an indicator of the future problem and burden of dementia," said Matthew Baumgart, senior director of public policy at Alzheimer's. Association
"This issue is not going away – we are continuing on a path of a huge problem in the United States, and unless we do something, it is not going to be reversed," said Baumgart.
CDC researchers also found that more than half of those reporting having difficulty in everyday cooking, cleaning or taking care of medications.
Baumgart
"But many will," he said. "It's a warning sign that something is not right."
For the study, the researchers used data from the 2015 and 2016 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System surveys.
Among those aged 45 and older who were living alone, 14 percent said they were suffering from declines in mental function. Among the suffering of a chronic disease, the percentage of reported cognitive decline, the report showed.
These are unfortunate, only 45 percent of those who said they had memory or other adverse effects.
This is unfortunate because some memory problems are reversible, Baumgart said. In addition, there are things you can do if you have problems in the future.
"But if you do not talk to a health care professional, you're missing a key window of opportunity," Baumgart said.
On the other hand, more than half
This report suggests that limitations in ability to perform basic tasks of daily life may be a catalyst for people to
Some people may be reluctant to talk about their mental problems because they see a normal part of aging, which is a mistaken belief, the researchers pointed out. Having a discussion about possible mental retardation is vital, because it can be the first step in planning care options and can help patients manage their health care
in inaccuracies, as people incorrectly remembered or omit information, the study authors acknowledged.
Dr. Sam Gandy is director of the Mount Sinai Center for Cognitive Health in New York City. He said, "We know that amyloid plaque, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease, begins in the 40s, especially in the APOE4 genes."
Next, Gandy said, doctors need to be able to predict APOE4 gene if amyloid plaque is present.
"If APOE4 and amyloidosis are both present, the likelihood of cognitive decline is substantial," he said.
The most potent interventions that are believed to slow progress of dementia include optimizing cardiac health and adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle (19659002) "But the evidence supporting the benefits of diet and lifestyle is mixed." at age 45 or 50, "Gandy added
The report was published July 13 in the CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report .
More information
Visit the Alzheimer's Association for more on dementia
SOURCES: Christopher Taylor, Epidemiologist, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Sam Gandy, MD, Ph.D., director, Mount Sinai Center for Cognitive Health and NFL Neurological Care, New York City; Matthew Baumgart, Senior Director, Public Policy, Alzheimer's Association; July 13, 2018, Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report
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