Your Health
WHERE ARE MY KEYS?
A simple game to help you figure out what’s behind many brain lapses
Memory glitches like misplacing your keys can make you ask yourself: Is something going wrong with my brain? While only a doctor should attempt a serious answer to that question, this quiz can help you better understand when so-called senior moments are a natural consequence of our stress-filled lives, a symptom of a physical or emotional health issue, or a potential sign of cognitive decline that should get checked out at the doc. So the next time you have a frustrating brain lapse, answer these questions, and consult your doctor for info and guidance. Who knows? By following below, you may even find your keys.
START HERE
YES
Scroll down to “Just a Blip”
NO
Continue
In general, are you under a lot of stress?
YES
NO
Continue
Did you get enough sleep last night (at least seven hours)?
NO
YES
Continue
Do you snore? (Not sure? Ask your partner.)
YES
NO
Continue
Would you say that you’re lonely?
YES
Scroll down to “Something Unrelated”
NO
Continue
Do you have symptoms of anxiety (restlessness, irritability, worry) or depression (persistent sadness, feeling hopeless or worthless, fatigue)?
YES
NO
Continue
Did you recently start a new medication?
YES
NO
Continue
Are you having other cognitive glitches such as not being able find the “right” word or having what you consider senior moments?
YES
NO
Continue
Have you noticed that everyday tasks—checking emails, managing your finances, running errands—are taking longer to complete or feel more difficult?
YES
NO
Continue
Have friends or family said that you keep repeating questions, tell the same stories over and over, or have shown some personality changes of late?
YES
Scroll down to “See Your Doctor—ASAP”
NO
Continue
Can you recall relevant details of a recent major event you experienced (say, who was there, what you did, what you ate, with whom you spoke)?
YES
Continue
NO
Have you been having balance issues?
NO
Scroll down to “Just a Blip”
YES
Scroll down to “See Your Doctor—ASAP”
IT’S PROBABLY …
Just a Blip
What likely happened: If you’re inattentive or multitasking, your brain may not record where you put your keys. “So when you go into the file cabinet of your mind to pull out the info again, there’s nothing there,” explains Joel Salinas, M.D., assistant professor of neurology and dementia specialist at NYU Langone Health. It’s probably nothing, but if this type of forgetfulness gradually happens more frequently so that it becomes a pattern, see your doctor for an evaluation, he says.
IT COULD BE …
Unhealthy Routines
The whereabouts of your keys don’t stand a chance against stress or a chronic lack of sleep, says Carla Perissinotto, M.D., professor in the division of geriatrics at the University of California San Francisco. For older adults, sleeping less than four hours a night or more than 10 is associated with lower cognitive function and a higher risk of cognitive decline. And stress also impairs the brain’s ability to pluck info from your memory bank. Take this as a sign you need to sleep more and stress less.
IT COULD BE …
Something Unrelated
Sleep disorders, anxiety, isolation and other physical or psychological conditions can mimic the beginnings of cognitive decline. If you feel as if you’re spending a sufficient time asleep in bed but you’re still tired during the day, get an evaluation for sleep apnea. If your mood is in decline, talk to your doctor. Lastly, check your meds. A wide array of drugs can pose long- and short-term risks of cognitive impairment.
IT COULD BE …
A Warning Sign
Repeating yourself or having increasing difficulty doing everyday tasks may be a sign of mild cognitive impairment. Get an appointment on the calendar with your primary care physician. Then say: “Hey, Doc, I’m not myself lately, and I feel as if I’m just not as sharp. I’m concerned there could be something going on.” Ask for an evaluation, or a referral to a neurologist, a geropsychologist or a geriatrician.
IT’S TIME TO...
See Your Doctor—ASAP
Changes in thinking skills, especially when combined with personality changes, can signal something’s askew, as can changes in walking and balance. Your primary care physician is a good place to start, but after an evaluation, your doctor should refer you to a specialist, such as a behavioral neurologist, geriatric psychiatrist or geriatrician, for a more thorough workup.
Jessica Migala writes for Women’s Health, Glamour and numerous other publications.
Explore brain health resources and play fun games. Go to stayingsharp.aarp.org