The many treatable causes of memory changes in later life

It starts with Thanksgiving and concludes with New Year's Day. This is the time frame when many adult children will travel to see their older parents. For some, it has been a year since parents and adult children have seen each other. The holidays are also a time when changes in older parents are noticed. If one is not clear about what is normal and what is not normal aging, it is easy for an adult child to assume all is well. A change in behavior can be easily explained away as mom or dad is just "getting old." To that, I say, "Not true." Here are some common occurrences in which the layman may see as normal aging. In reality, it is an example of something that warrants further assessment, when the person: • Repeats the same story • Asks the same questions • Has a blank look on their face • Gets frustrated performing a common task • Doesn't open mail, when they used to always read their mail. • Exhibits a change in personality • Wears the same clothes for multiple days • Hygiene habits have changed Many times, there is fear that such changes may mean it is time for assisted living or nursing home placement. So an adult child will turn a blind eye until circumstances worsen, and intervention is required. This is not the best course of action. If you have concerns about changes you have noticed in an older parent — or yourself — don't assume it is normal aging. Don't assume it is not treatable. All memory changes are not caused by Alzheimer's. It may be caused by something that looks like Alzheimer's. If properly diagnosed, it is something that can be treated and function restored. On Jan. 10, Serving Our Seniors invites Erie County residents, ages 60 and better, to attend a special event titled Movie & Dinner with a Doc: A discussion on the many causes of memory changes in later life. It takes place from noon to 4 p.m. at Perkins High School's theater/auditorium and cafeteria, at 3714 Campbell St. We will watch the movie, "I'll Be Me," a documentary about Glen Campbell and his family, following his diagnosis of Alzheimer's and his sold-out "Good-bye Tour," which he performed while living with this condition. • Showtime — noon to 1:45 p.m.; Eat your lunch before you arrive. • Discussion — 2:15-3 p.m.; Dr. Hiba Khan, a geriatrician, with the Cleveland Clinic, specializes in evaluating the health of older adults to maximize quality of life/function. • Emcees — Representing Serving Our Seniors, Sue Daugherty, executive director, and Tina Sluga, health care advocate trainer, will facilitate the dialogue with an emphasis on discussing the many other treatable conditions that cause memory impairment in later life. • Dinner — 3-4 p.m. — A prime rib will be served in the cafeteria. A $10 refundable deposit is required to reserve your seat. To reserve your seat stop by Serving Our Seniors office, 310 E. Boalt St., Sandusky 44870 to make your deposit by cash or check. Seating is limited to 100. The deposit must be received by 1 p.m. on Jan. 3. Q&A Q: I received a call asking me for my Medicare number. On the other line, the person said this information was needed because I changed to a different Medicare advantage plan. Does that sound right? A: According to the senior Medicare patrol, whose role is to prevent Medicare fraud, Medicare will never call you and ask for your Medicare number. If you gave your Medicare number to someone who called you, call the senior Medicare patrol at 800-293-4767 and report the fraud. If you would like help making this call, contact Serving Our Seniors at 419-624-1856 and ask a senior advocate assistant to help you using three-way calling.