Declining mind or mental health? what sort of age?

All I can say is if you are under a lot of stress the memory can be affected badly you can be like a robot plodding along but so stressed putting things in wrong places forgetting where things are. I suffered like that when under extreme stress after death of loved one. I’m 67 and I don’t have any memory probs so I wouldn’t really generalise but stress can play havoc with you

It's not inevitable, I am in my late 60's and most of my friends in the same age bracket and older are fine (other than our recall for names of actors). Keeping as active as possible, learning new things, being interested in the world all help.

See your GP. Ask for a memory test.

Diet has a huge effect as well. If I slide into a bread and cheese, biscuits and choc phase I can't do the simplest crossword or remember what day it is. Couple of days on protein and veg and I'm sharp as a tack.

Fleurpepper

Jaxjacky

My Mum was 80 when dementia was diagnosed.
Not everyone can take curcuma aka turmeric Fleurpepper, I can’t, so worth checking.

I am so sorry to hear about your mother.

I would be very interested in who and why can't take turmeric- never heard of this. We were told about turmeric being a really effective anti-inflmmatory- including for the brain- by a Swiss specialist in Plant pharmacology. He explained how Big Pharma is doing everything it can to stop research into any easily available, cheap, natural products- as there is not money in it for them.

Professor Kurt Hostettman works with several University Hospitals in Switzerland, India and China.

Apparently Turmeric causes problems with certain medications, I can't take it either.

Diet has a huge effect as well. If I slide into a bread and cheese, biscuits and choc phase I can't do the simplest crossword or remember what day it is. Couple of days on protein and veg and I'm sharp as a tack.

Jaxjacky

My Mum was 80 when dementia was diagnosed.
Not everyone can take curcuma aka turmeric Fleurpepper, I can’t, so worth checking.

Of course, anyone taking food supplements or OTC medicines, should aways check with GP for any contra-indications.

My Gran only started to show signs of dementia in her 90’s shortly before she died. She looked after my aunt who was disabled with some help from me and social services organised home helps for some basic care. They’d been moved into a care home whilst her house was being renovated, and shortly before they were due to move back home we noticed signs she wasn’t quite the same. I’d gone to visit them after work and she didn’t recognise me. She told me I reminded her of her granddaughter. At the end of the visit I was distraught and couldn’t stop crying. As my husband was working away that week, the taxi driver wasn’t keen to leave me on my own, so dropped me at friends house. That was the last time I saw Gran alive as she died during the night.

She probably had a few minor strokes, rather than dementia Cateq. Good you were able to visit her, and that she didn't have to live for many years, deteriorating and losing dignity and joy.

Sorry Fleurpepper just seen your post, yes, blood thinners are one and some bp medication, perhaps checki with your pharmacist, probably easier than GP.

mrsnonsmoker

I'm 62 and already struggling with memory, driving and planning due to stress I reckon (recent divorce).

I notice my friends in their late 60s early 70s seem to be going through some sort of mental decline. Is that what I have coming? I woudn't be so concerned if it was just one or two but seems to be most I know of those over 65.

Most likely due to stress, but other things come into play as we get older. Have you had a full blood count blood test? Also underactive thyroid, which is more common in older women can cause mental health problems (memory loss, anxiety, depression). Also vitamin B12 deficiency can cause memory and mental health problems. I urge you to see your doctor and ask for full blood tests. Some individuals can develop early onset dementia (usually between 50 - 65 years of age), but this is quite uncommon.

Get referral to geriatric dr for a test

Also useful would be to make a New Year's resolution to get as organised as possible.

I have managed to keep things somewhat under control at least in the last few stressful years by having 3 diaries:
1. An A4 page a day diary I started when I moved here and it began to strike me workmen here are not what I'm used to (eg reliable) and nor are my neighbours. So it's handy to have a whole A4 page for every day (except Saturdays and Sundays - which just get half A4 page each) to keep a note of it all.
2. A personal appointments diary.
3. A personal private journal for noting down one's feelings/actions etc re what is happening.

B. Lots of fridge magnets - and I keep lists stuck on my fridge and freezer doors of all sorts of useful stuff, eg: goods I'm expecting, what I'm doing (both my own stuff and otherwise) for the next week, shopping lists, etc.

C. I've started making out a list for the next week - on it notes are made re what housework I've allocated to a day, health appointments, workmen appointments, my own appointments (eg social life) and I can check what I'm due to do that day.

D. I'm refusing to do more than one body appointment per week if I possibly can (including hairdresser appointments) - so that most of my week is kept for me.

Any scrap of organisation going helps to "keep the basics going" in one's life imo and that helps reduce stress.

Stress is definitely an important factor. I'm typically well-organised, have a sharp memory, reliable and confident. But I recall four times in my life when my memory went out of the window. The first was in my forties when a close friend of similar age was told he had only weeks to live due to cancer. I drove home after the news and almost wiped another vehicle off the road. The second was in my early fifties when my dad was given the same prognosis. I developed very severe migraine for the first (and only time) in my life and forgot the route home - I had to phone a friend! The third was when my mum was diagnosed with dementia and despite me being very proactive in organising her care and finances, I could not cope with my own normal stuff. The latest one was during my own cancer treatment - from diagnosis in late 2023 and ongoing still (though I have had the "all clear"). I have struggled with appointments, medication, household chores, failing to complete my usual daily puzzles in the newspaper to watching tv (who is he? I am constantly asking my DH). So far I have assumed my struggles will be temporary, but I have lists of everything on my laptop and consult it daily (sometimes hourly!!).

By all means see your GP for reassurance, but I hope you (a) feel less stressed soon and (b) your difficulties start to improve.

There is no set age for mental decline .
If you are experiencing any forgetfulness it's most likely to be caused by stress .
Take it easy .
Do things which please you .
Don't forget an exercise class and do something which stimulates your brain .

I am well over 70. Owned and running the same Business for about 50 years (looking to sell soon) plus several Hobbies and a News Junky on top. I found the more physically and mentally active I am the better I am off. Short term memory is bad but I compensate with paper notebook and Pen.
Cheers

My friend has been diagnosed with dementia aged 58 😩
I feel the same since before COVID bad memory, depression. Helped mum look after my dad who had Alzheimer’s, sale of mums house & buying new property.
Dad died two weeks ago, buried on Thursday. So feel like have been put through the wringer 😩

Esmay

There is no set age for mental decline .
If you are experiencing any forgetfulness it's most likely to be caused by stress .
Take it easy .
Do things which please you .
Don't forget an exercise class and do something which stimulates your brain .

Yes stress for sure

Madmeg

Stress is definitely an important factor. I'm typically well-organised, have a sharp memory, reliable and confident. But I recall four times in my life when my memory went out of the window. The first was in my forties when a close friend of similar age was told he had only weeks to live due to cancer. I drove home after the news and almost wiped another vehicle off the road. The second was in my early fifties when my dad was given the same prognosis. I developed very severe migraine for the first (and only time) in my life and forgot the route home - I had to phone a friend! The third was when my mum was diagnosed with dementia and despite me being very proactive in organising her care and finances, I could not cope with my own normal stuff. The latest one was during my own cancer treatment - from diagnosis in late 2023 and ongoing still (though I have had the "all clear"). I have struggled with appointments, medication, household chores, failing to complete my usual daily puzzles in the newspaper to watching tv (who is he? I am constantly asking my DH). So far I have assumed my struggles will be temporary, but I have lists of everything on my laptop and consult it daily (sometimes hourly!!).

By all means see your GP for reassurance, but I hope you (a) feel less stressed soon and (b) your difficulties start to improve.

🫂🫂🫂🫂🫂

Stress and anxiety have a terrible impact on the body. Think of your car; if you drove it at 70mph in first or second gear it would do a great deal of damage. Now that you are on the other side of your divorce, try to spend time doing things you like. Meet a friend, go for a walk, learn to relax properly. There are many online meditation or relaxation apps. This is not to dismiss your fears, but please acknowledge that stress is very harmful.

The Body Keeps the Score -mind, body, brain and the transformation of trauma -by Bessel Van Der Kolk

Our physical health is linked to our mental health. As HiusePlantQueen suggests - we need people, exercise and relaxation

If you are worried have a health check. Depression even thyroid problems can often be misdiagnosed as dementia. Memory loss has nothing to do with age, early onset Dementia can happen at ANY age under 65, after that it is called Dementia but can present itself in so many different ways and not necessarily with memory loss. It totally depends on the type of Dementia if at all. To put your mind at rest make the appointment with your GP, just worrying about it will make you even more stressed. Fingers crossed it is stress related which you can do something about.

Keep mentally active- reading, puzzles, writing, creative pursuits like me sketching, crochet, sewing and cooking. Also,projects around the home - upcycling tired furniture, decorating, etc. This may banish some divorce blues and is very purposeful .U3A is said to be a boon. One lady I met was doing that in her 80s and was as sharp as a tack . If you don’t use it you may lose it was her mantra.

Definitely see your doctor for a physical & mental evaluation.

Please don't rule out a UTI, even if you don't have any of the usual symptoms.
** A urinary tract infection (UTI) can cause symptoms that mimic dementia, especially in older people:

I seem to be the only one of my friends of similar age who has the least energy! We are all around the eighty mark. They go on coach tours, long walks etc. I changed my car recently and although excited to have it the excitement made me so anxious and agitated. I’m glad to say that has passed and I’m happy to go out in it without worrying about the gears or the brakes!! Illness recently has made me more vulnerable and what you have been through has been dreadful. It would be a miracle if you had come through that ordeal unscathed. See your dr but give yourself time to heal. Sending best wishes. X