Where is the line drawn between memory loss and dementia?

[notinvisible]

Where do people draw the line between memory loss and dementia?

[Buttons2]

I think doctor's draw the line after doing some cognitive tests. I also think it depends on each individual. We all have some memory loss as we age,however there are ways to exercise the brain! Keeping active physically does help also. Being social enough to keep up a conversation.

From my own experience with my elderly mother: her paranoia & living in the past are indications of dementia. I believe it's caused by her refusal to take her thyroid meds.

My own memory loss (both short & long term),was probably caused by the use of aspartame products & a lack of the proper B vits in my system. A few years ago I couldn't even recall how to turn on my computer! I forgot my own last name,phone number & address.

Hope this helps......Buttons

[SunnyDay06]

I think doctor's draw the line after doing some cognitive tests. I also think it depends on each individual. We all have some memory loss as we age,however there are ways to exercise the brain! Keeping active physically does help also. Being social enough to keep up a conversation.

From my own experience with my elderly mother: her paranoia & living in the past are indications of dementia. I believe it's caused by her refusal to take her thyroid meds.

My own memory loss (both short & long term),was probably caused by the use of aspartame products & a lack of the proper B vits in my system. A few years ago I couldn't even recall how to turn on my computer! I forgot my own last name,phone number & address.

Hope this helps......Buttons

Can you tell me what Vit. B(s) you take for memory? Can you tell me also what amount of aspartame products are a concern, or do you avoid all aspartame?

Thank you
SunnyDay06

[Buttons2]

I'm gonna suggest you google aspartame poisoning. There are 90 adverse health conditions linked to aspartame. It should be banned!

I threw out everything I could find in the house with aspartame in it. That included my Claritin for sinus issues. And it was even in gum that was NOT sugar free.

I take B12 Methylcobalamin 1MG from Source Natural's,it's placed under the tongue until it disolves & 1/2 hr away from any food or other vits. Cheap too! This type of B12 breaks through the blood/brain barrier.

When I was diagnosed type 2 diabetic I was told to drink diet soda's & crap like Slimfast,Carnation instant breakfast,etc. for energy-----ha. I was consuming alot of aspartame & never realized it was bad for me. I was using Splenda also!

I cut out the aspartame except for one diet Pepsi per day,then about 3 months ago I read more of the horror's of that junk & stopped even having one soda. My hair instantly stopped falling out when taking a shower! I was amazed. I share that story just to let you know how ONE diet soda can be bad.

[michael178]

Memory loss is ,I think, usually sporadic, involving isolated incidences.....dates and appointments and the like. Dementia is all encompassing... i.e.waking up in a fog that does not go away.... going into stores completely baffled by why you are there, baffled by the store itself, so that you are lost inside it, and then going outside not knowing where your car is,or how you are suppose to get home.

And once you get dementia, you know that it is just much, much more than a bad memory. It is the nightmare you never wanted and would do almost anything to get rid of....

You deal with dementia by restricting your life. Limiting life to only those simple things you can still handle...Like staying inside and eating simple foods

[Ted Hutchinson]

The Mini-Mental State Exam (http://www.chcr.brown.edu/MMSE.PDF) this may give you a clue.