Dear Dr. Koepp, My mom is 78 and still does her own taxes, but lately she tells me the same story twice in one phone call and can’t find her keys most mornings. My brother says I’m overreacting and that everyone forgets things. I can’t tell if I’m seeing the start of something or just seeing my mom get older. How do I know when it’s time to worry about my mom’s memory?In this Dear Dr. Koepp episode, I answer a letter from a daughter who’s noticing changes in her 78-year-old mom’s memory. Dear Dr. Koepp is a new series where I answer your questions about mental health and aging, brain health, caregiving, and family dynamics. Our first letter comes from a daughter who can't tell if she's seeing the start of something or just seeing her mom get older.Some forgetfulness can be normal with aging, but dementia is not a normal part of aging. In this episode, I share what's typical for an aging brain, what's not, and what to do if you're worried.In this episode, you'll learn:The difference between normal aging, mild cognitive impairment, and dementiaTreatable causes of memory changes that have nothing to do with dementiaHow depression, anxiety, substance use, and insomnia can mimic dementiaHow to bring up memory concerns with your parent with care, concern, and curiosityWhy you should support your parent's doctor's appointment, not take it overWhat I call "ambiguous caregiving," and what to do when siblings disagreeThe 14 modifiable risk factors for dementia from the 2024 Lancet CommissionWhen should you worry? If memory changes are new, getting worse, or getting in the way of daily life, that deserves a workup with a primary care provider.Watch the video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/jacuW57byYEResources Mentioned:2024 Lancet Commission report on dementia prevention: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(24)01296-0Full show notes and references: [ADD SHOW NOTES PAGE LINK]Remember, it's only with your help that we can meet the mental health needs of older adults, so thank you for being here, and doing your part.This episode is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for medical or mental health care.Have a question for Dr. Koepp? Text us here. PROFESSIONALS: Grab your free guide to working with older adults here Attention Social Workers, Therapists, Counselors, Psychologists, Aging Life Care Experts... Click here to get Continuing Education Credits
