Something happened to my organized thinking since last year

I am still pretty good at some things, but I have noticed a definite decline in other mental functions. I don't read anymore because I have trouble concentrating and also vision impairment. Not all large print books are available in the library. I was telling an acquaintance about it and she said something to the effect that if I notice I am faltering, it's not so bad as the person that's failing and doesn't realize it. I do online puzzles like MahJongg, Wordle and logic and trivia quizzes, but usually score much lower than other players. AARP games posts the top 10 scores of their games. :unsure:
 
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Tommy said:
Deb, do you have a clear, well-structured bookkeeping system that you update at least weekly? If not, you might want to start. Not only would it help to keep your finances in order, but it would also be a great mental exercise to help you maintain focus in general. ;)
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I have a box with manila folders for different expense receipts like food, taxes, utilities, etc. Then I have by checkbook for things I pay for that way. But I don't really go through them until the new year.
 

If your doctor is dismissing you, how about seeing a gerontologist?

I am glad you are playing games online. Do you use any puzzle books or other puzzle games that are not on the computer?

I don't think you shop online but I got this recently. I just started using it.
Amazon.com

But there should be other puzzle games you can get in stores.
 
debodun said:
I thought I'd do some accounting of my expenses in 2024. I got out my checkbook stubs, receipts and records. It was just gobbledegook to me from the getgo. Couldn't keep things straight. I am worried about my perspicacity.
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Maybe work your brain by writing something about some particular thing that interests you, revising what you write whenever you think you need to find better fitting words to make it clear to the reader. Google word search can be quite helpful. :)
 
Another thing that seems to be happening along with forgetfulness is procrastination. There are a dozens of things that I should be doing or should have done already and I just can't seem to whip up enough enthusiasm or confidence do do them. The flat panel TV I acquired months ago is sitting on a coffee table. I am actually afraid to try to hook it up to my cable service. If I screw up, I may not be able to get TV on anything.

Everything needs dusting or vacuuming, but when I just think of getting the vacuum cleaner out, I am overcome with exhaustion. All I want to do is eat, sleep, watch TV and create pandemonium on the Internet.

Yesterday I had to get a battery in my watch and when I got home I felt drained. It's a 22 mile round trip to the watch shop not to mention the other stops I made as long as I was out and about. I have also been thinking of quitting the meals deliveries. It was okay when there were just 7 or 8 clients, but that's doubled in the last 2 months. Meal delivery also exhausts me.

Would diabetes have these symptoms? Last year my blood work indicated what my cardiologist said was borderline pre-diabetic. (Non-fasting glucose was 117 and A1c was 5.8).
 
debodun said:
Another thing that seems to be happening along with forgetfulness is procrastination. There are a dozens of things that I should be doing or should have done already and I just can't seem to whip up enough enthusiasm or confidence do do them. The flat panel TV I acquired months ago is sitting on a coffee table. I am actually afraid to try to hook it up to my cable service. If I screw up, I may not be able to get TV on anything.

Everything needs dusting or vacuuming, but when I just think of getting the vacuum cleaner out, I am overcome with exhaustion. All I want to do is eat, sleep, watch TV and create pandemonium on the Internet.

Yesterday I had to get a battery in my watch and when I got home I felt drained. It's a 22 mile round trip to the watch shop not to mention the other stops I made as long as I was out and about. I have also been thinking of quitting the meals deliveries. It was okay when there were just 7 or 8 clients, but that's doubled in the last 2 months. Meal delivery also exhausts me.

Would diabetes have these symptoms? Last year my blood work indicated what my cardiologist said was borderline pre-diabetic. (Non-fasting glucose was 117 and A1c was 5.8).
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You may want to get your A1c tested again. In fact you should update all your bloodwork if it's been a year. Sorry you are experiencing this but there may be an answer.
 
Pepper said:
When you live alone, have no one to talk things out with, it's hard. Living alone can be brain diminishing.
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I live alone and worry about the Social Isolation.
But being alone is becoming comfortable.
I'm not sure how to feel about that.

Decades ago there was an older guy in the neighborhood that would talk your ear off and often repeat stories.
I knew it was because he was lonely.
I find myself making a conscious effort not to overtalk with people.
 
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debodun said:
Another thing that seems to be happening along with forgetfulness is procrastination. There are a dozens of things that I should be doing or should have done already and I just can't seem to whip up enough enthusiasm or confidence do do them. The flat panel TV I acquired months ago is sitting on a coffee table. I am actually afraid to try to hook it up to my cable service. If I screw up, I may not be able to get TV on anything.

Everything needs dusting or vacuuming, but when I just think of getting the vacuum cleaner out, I am overcome with exhaustion. All I want to do is eat, sleep, watch TV and create pandemonium on the Internet.

Yesterday I had to get a battery in my watch and when I got home I felt drained. It's a 22 mile round trip to the watch shop not to mention the other stops I made as long as I was out and about. I have also been thinking of quitting the meals deliveries. It was okay when there were just 7 or 8 clients, but that's doubled in the last 2 months. Meal delivery also exhausts me.

Would diabetes have these symptoms? Last year my blood work indicated what my cardiologist said was borderline pre-diabetic. (Non-fasting glucose was 117 and A1c was 5.8).
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Could you also have a touch of depression? I know I do. It seems to go hand in hand with procrastination. Lord knows there is plenty to be depressed about these days.
 
debodun said:
Another thing that seems to be happening along with forgetfulness is procrastination. There are a dozens of things that I should be doing or should have done already and I just can't seem to whip up enough enthusiasm or confidence do do them. ...
Everything needs dusting or vacuuming, but when I just think of getting the vacuum cleaner out, I am overcome with exhaustion. All I want to do is eat, sleep, watch TV and create pandemonium on the Internet.
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For me, that would just be normal (especially when the weather is cold, I morph into a hibernating animal). If these things aren't normal for you, then I'd think it would be worth it to try again with the dismissive doctor (or preferably a different doctor if any are available) and at least get all the common or likely blood panels done to rule out common anemias etc.
 
Deb, I think it's a good sign that you recognize that there's a cognitive problem. I agree with what @Aunt Bea wrote, but I'll condition that with if that feeling continues. Perhaps you were sleep deprived or stressed and that's what caused it. If not...then yes, definitely talk to your doctor about this. In any case, I hope the issue will be resolved.
 
Deb….I remember a day that for the life of me I could not remember my guy’s name. I had been with him 10 years at that point…and he was across the table drinking coffee. Stress…lack of sleep, poor eating, lack of exercise can all contribute. Try to improve your overall well being first. Yes…his name came to me later. I never have told him…
 
Do you think you might have some depression symptoms? I have some of the same symptoms you mentioned in various posts. I suffer from depression at times. Also Seasonal Affect Disorder. Makes the depression worse.

A little exercise helps as well as other things. There are lots of websites that define depression and how to alleviate it.
 
debodun said:
I thought I'd do some accounting of my expenses in 2024. I got out my checkbook stubs, receipts and records. It was just gobbledegook to me from the getgo. Couldn't keep things straight. I am worried about my perspicacity.
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No worry. I did the exact same thing year before last when I got out my tax filing stubs, receipts and records. I didn't even REMEMBER some of the items! My handwriting didn't look familiar. I just put it all away and tried it again a week later after I'd had a good night's sleep: finished the taxes in two days.

Taxes are a stress point.

We handle stressors differently as we get older, we can handle stress, just not as much at the same time? Reserve mental strength ebbs and flows more IMHO.

Had never heard the word perspicacity, either, in regards to aging studies...am checking it out now...gotta check some professional journals.
 
It would be wise of anyone over the age of 70 to ask for referral/consultation with a "geriatric physician" when it comes to mental function or decline. Many generic docs and other providers brush off our concerns as "You are just getting older" as there is a lot of misconceptions about aging. To find one, go online and look up "Centers for Aging and Gerontology or Geriatrics".

American universities who have these type research centers can give you referrals of specialists in geriatrics and gerontology; they often have interesting studies you can enroll in to be a "lab specimen"LOL.; you get all sorts of batteries of tests for free. Is fun sometimes and you get to meet new people who are VERY interested in how you are aging.

Virginia Tech has an excellent program run by Dr. Karen Roberto, PhD; look her up on their Center for Aging and read her CV. She is an amazing researcher in aging and geriatrics. She was my graduate degree mentor years ago. Fabulous researcher and she runs the program at VT.

Further north is the Cornell Center for Geriatrics and Palliative Care and one can ask their doctor for a referral there, which is an excellent program they train Geriatricians: MDs who treat only those over 62 I believe?

Always get a second and third opinion on ANY mental status exams! I get second opinions on any diagnosis anyway, mental or physical. Doctors and providers are not perfect.
Medicare pays for at least one second opinion per diagnosis, by law I believe.
 
debodun said:
Another thing that seems to be happening along with forgetfulness is procrastination. There are a dozens of things that I should be doing or should have done already and I just can't seem to whip up enough enthusiasm or confidence do do them. The flat panel TV I acquired months ago is sitting on a coffee table. I am actually afraid to try to hook it up to my cable service. If I screw up, I may not be able to get TV on anything.

Everything needs dusting or vacuuming, but when I just think of getting the vacuum cleaner out, I am overcome with exhaustion. All I want to do is eat, sleep, watch TV and create pandemonium on the Internet.

Yesterday I had to get a battery in my watch and when I got home I felt drained. It's a 22 mile round trip to the watch shop not to mention the other stops I made as long as I was out and about. I have also been thinking of quitting the meals deliveries. It was okay when there were just 7 or 8 clients, but that's doubled in the last 2 months. Meal delivery also exhausts me.

Would diabetes have these symptoms? Last year my blood work indicated what my cardiologist said was borderline pre-diabetic. (Non-fasting glucose was 117 and A1c was 5.8).
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IMHO it sounds like either B-12 and B-6 (vitamin injections) or both shots need to be ordered and/or it could be depression.
Those two shots are easy and MANY older people need them. You give yourself the shot with a tiny tiny needle in a fat spot on your body. Can't even feel it.
 

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