help with memory loss

[mycatis]

My grannys memory is getting really bad, she cant remember stuff from a few minutes before, where she put stuff, what you just told her etc. Her long term memory is fine but it's really starting to get her down she is going to see her doctor soon but is there anything else she could try? mental excercises/herbal remedies or something? She is only 67 and this is making her a nightmare to be around as she is so bad tempered

[spangle111]

Some reports say that playing bingo helps short term memory loss due to the number recognition stimulating the relevant part of the brain. Don't know if it works or not but its maybe worth giving it a try.

[Hippy]

Write things down in a notebook you carry around. Sounds silly, but it can be a real lifesaver sometimes, even for the less memory challenged.

[birdy72]

Go with both of the above answers and extend to more games and crosswords if she will let you. Gingko Biloba is a herbal remedy that has been said to improve the memory but it does take a couple of months to see any improvements and one should always consult their doctor for any contraindications; for example you shouldn't take Gingko with drugs like warfarin.

[Artful]

Hippy, the idea is good but you do have to remember to take it with you.

I have a problem with short term memory - I thought a brilliant idea was to note everything on postits - I've a mobility problem so it can take me ages to get from the lounge (and PC) to the kitchen. How often have I made my way to the kitchen and can't remember for the life of me why I came but I do generally find sthg.to do.
I make my way back to the lounge and behold! my postit lying there. Start again, Artful!

[Artful]

BTW (just realised I didn't give mycatis any help - and that was not on purpose I hastliy add!) I really don't have a solution but I shall be following this thread closely...

It is such a frustrating thing, I understand why your granny gets so badtempered.

[Lindylou]

I think maybe a trip to your Grandmother's GP might not go amiss.  She could be referred to your local 'Memory Clinic / Team'.  Not to frighten you (or her) but it could be the beginning of something quite serious.  There's a lot of things that can help so please don't panic!

[acw]

I'm with LindyLou.  It's very VERY important that you persuade her to go to her GP soon, and to mention the problems she's been having.  Early diagnosis is very important with this sort of thing.  If it is what it sounds like, then there are great support networks out there for the whole family.  I can help you to get in touch with great people if you need it.  Just post on the AB again! :-)  Good luck.  x

[MargeB]

Sugar.

[mycatis]

acw  If it is what it sounds like? What does it sound like?

[acw]

Well I'm no medic mycatis, so I shouldn't have sounded so certain.  It is just that your granny is displaying all the signs my Nana showed before being diagnosed with Alzheimer's.  Hopefully I'm WAY off the mark here and it's a lesser form of dementia, or better still, it's just some silly diet deficiency that can be cured with vitamin supplements.

Like I say - I'm no doctor but you asked about your Granny's health and the experience I have with my Nana's health tells me that the best thing for YOUR Granny, is a trip to the GP. 

Sorry if I have seemed rude - I haven't meant to.  Guess it's just a sensitive area for me.  But one I coudln't ignore.

[Artful]

Memory clinic, Lindylou? That sounds great; are they implanted (English?) in most large towns?
Otherwise, mycatis, your gran's GP will surely be able to give suggestions of where you could go or different tests that can be done. As Lindylou and acw say - go along and I would say the sooner the better. Especially with all this hot weather coming along, it's uncomfy at the best of times but if nerves are already on the frayed side it could be even worse.

[mycatis]

It's ok acw you weren't being rude :)

[MargeB]

Alzheimers tests are fairly robust.

It's very important to get medical attention for her very swiftly, this allows drug interventions which can attenuate the cell damage.

[Artful]

What action do you think you might take, mycatis, or even more to the point what is you granny willing to do?