Everyone forgets something, is sometimes absent-minded, sometimes listens less attentively. When someone of 59 years old starts to make reasoning mistakes like: “You can’t buy this cheese, it’s way too expensive” while the person bought this cheese monthly and now suddenly looks at the price per kilo as a unit price. Another example: “Hey this building has been renovated” when the person drives past this at least once a week and the building is known because it was the daughter’s internship place, and the building has looked like this for years. Another regularly recurring phenomenon: after telling about a certain incident, a certain appointment, after five or ten minutes they are informed exactly as if the telling did not take place at all. Are these negligible gaps and if not, how do you make that person understand that something is wrong when they are not aware of any harm?
Answer
The facts you mention do indeed seem relevant.
Further research would certainly be desirable in this context.
Memory disorders are relevant, especially if they interfere with social functioning (eg following conversations, orientation,…). But it is always better to contact a doctor if one is already concerned about it, even if it may not seem necessary in retrospect. The mere fact that people are concerned about it justifies the question.
If someone is not aware of any harm, there is often a problem for which there are no ready-made solutions. The GP can sometimes help to examine someone anyway, hei is often more familiar with the person. He/she can then refer the person if necessary. In any case, it is best to avoid major conflicts, but rather to act as a kind of coach, firm and directing, but understanding.
Answered by
Prof Patrick Santens
Neurology and neuroscience. Neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s. Cognitive and movement disorders.
http://www.ugent.be
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