I am 55 years old and am having problems with my memory. I am getting very forgetful and I am misplacing things. I am worried that I may be getting dementia.
- Mary
Dear Mary:
Memory problems are common in all individuals, whether they are young or old. Forgetfulness is a normal part of life and it gets worse with ageing. It may, therefore, be the normal ageing process.
However, in medicine we have to look at all the possibilities and make a decision as to the most likely diagnosis. Dementia is a possibility, so you should go to your doctor to get certain tests done.
Are you hypertensive or diabetic? These conditions can predispose you to early dementia. Vitamin B deficiency can present with dementia as well as hypothyroidism. You, therefore, need to have tests done to determine whether or not these are the problems.
Memory aids
Whatever the cause of the problem, you need certain memory aids. Write down your plans for the day. Making lists will have to become the routine. Keep a diary and make a daily entry. When you are making a commitment to do something, you will need to check your diary and calendar as to the possibilities.
At home, you need to organise yourself so that certain things like car keys are kept in specific places. Label folders or containers or drawers so that you can find things easily. Ask your family members to remind you of commitments or chores. If you take medication, keep them in a fixed place so that you can see them.
Academic problems
Dear Counsellor:
My 17-year-old daughter is not doing well in school. In primary school, she was a bright student. There has been a steady decline in her grades and she has become depressed.
I found out that she has been cutting her wrist. I don't know how to help her.
- Margaret
Dear Margaret:
I can understand your concerns because it is not easy for a parent to see her daughter in problems. Please take your daughter to a therapist for evaluation of learning and emotional problems.
There are many reasons for poor school grades. It is surprising that some children do well at GSAT but poorly at CSEC and CAPE. As students move up in the school system, the concepts get harder and the volume of work increases. Many students can only do four subjects and will get grade threes in CSEC exams. Other students have episodes of poor grades but are able to keep up.
Daily routine
Is your daughter studying regularly? Some students wait until the night before examinations to review the work. Studying should be a daily routine as soon as school reopens. Students need to try to understand the concepts and practice questions. Completing assignments ahead of deadline is important and homework should always be done. Depending on which major examinations is being done, past papers should be collected for use.
Many students suffer from inattention or full-blown attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Academic problems may have been overcome in primary school, but as the volume increases and the concepts get more difficult, the students run into problems.
Contact Dr Yvonnie Bailey-Davidson at 791-1778 or 978-8602, or email yvonniebd@hotmail.com.
