A Simple Game to Help You

Figure Out What’s Behind 

Many Brain Lapses

By: Jessica Migala

Memory lapses like losing your keys can make you feel like “something is wrong with my brain”. The following is a quiz to help you understand your “senior moment”.

WHERE ARE MY KEYS

A) In General are You Under a Lot of Stress?
Or

B) Were you juggling a lot of tasks or long to-do list?

If Yes

    It’s probably just a blip, if your brain is occupied with a number of tasks it may not record where you put your keys. It is probably nothing, but if this becomes more frequent you might see your doctor for an evaluation

    C) Were You Under a Lot of Stress?

    If YES

    OR

      D) Did you get enough sleep last night (at least 7 hours)?

    If NO

    It could be unhealthy routines. The location of your keys has no chance against a chronic lack of sleep and/or stress. Sleeping less than 4 hours or more than 10 hours is associated with lower cognitive function and a higher risk of cognitive decline. This is a sign of needing less stress and more sleep.

    E) Would You Say that You are Lonely?

    If YES

    Go see your Doctor ASAP

    F) Do you snore?

    If YES

    Could be something unrelated. Sleep disorders, anxiety, isolation and other conditions can imitate cognitive decline. Feeling tired after adequate sleep, se dr. about sleep apnea; if your mood has declined see your dr.; lastly check your meds, as a wide number of t=drugs can affect cognitive decline.

    G) Do You Have Symptoms of Anxiety?

    If YES

    Go see your Dr. ASAP

      OR

      Check your meds. As many can create feelings of anxiety. You may need a different prescription!

      H) Have You Noticed Everyday Tasks are Taking Longer and Seem Harder? 

      OR

      I) Have You had Cognitive Glitches such as Not Being Able to Find the Right Word?

      If YES

      WARNING SIGN: Contact your Dr. and tell him/her that you have not been yourself lately; I don’t feel as sharp and I worry that something is going on. Ask for an evaluation or referral to neurologists, geropsychologist, or geriatrician.

      J) Have Friends or Family Told You that You Keep Repeating Questions or Stories?

      OR

      K) Have You Shown Some Personality Changes Lately?

      OR

      L) You Can’t Recall Recent Events, Who was There, What You Ate, Who You Spoke with!

      OR

      M) Have You Been having Balance Issues?

      If YES

      See your Dr. ASAP. Changing in thinking skills combined with personality changes can signal something is wrong, as can changes in walking and balance.  Seeing your primary care physician is the best way to start.