Concerned about recent problem with remembering dates, doctors appointmets, months & days (trouble retaining information I used to store and retain easily, forgetting familiar names (family & friend) - just turned 84, still active physically but feeling unsure when driving & making previously normal decisions.  Former business owner, working artist, writer - but now worried that usual, everyday decision making is becoming "uncomfortable" - is it beginning alzheimers or just "normal old-age"? email addr:YYYY@YYYY
Hello, Forgetfulness or amnesia is a fairly common condition at age over 75. It normally occurs due to atrophy or reduction in size of the brain and decrease in neurotransmitter known as Acetylcholine. However, a patient of Dementia presents with 1)Cognitive decline (Inability to perform thinking, reasoning, remembering). 2) Amnesia or forgetfulness + Any 2 out of the 4- Inability to perform a given motor task (e.g.- failure to tie shoelaces) / Inability to recognize the sensation of a familiar object (e.g. smell, touch, taste etc.) / Inability to talk / Failure in Planning, organizing and Sequencing. However, Alzheimer's Disease is not the only cause of Dementia though it is the Most Common cause. My suggestion would be to get yourself checked by your nearest Psychiatrist for opinion.