To bring up the topic, you could say something like:
Since my last visit, there have been several times when I couldn’ t control my bladder.
Memory Problems
Older adults often worry about their ability to think and remember. For most older adults, thinking and memory remain relatively intact in later years. However, if you or your family notice that you have problems remembering recent events or thinking clearly, let your doctor know. Be specific about the changes you’ ve noticed. For example, you could say:
I’ ve always been able to balance my checkbook without any problems, but lately I’ m very confused.
Your doctor will probably want you to have a thorough check-up to see what might be causing your symptoms.
In some cases, memory problems are caused by conditions such as high blood pressure,
Free Information
If you are worried about memory problems or dementia, you can contact NIA’ s Alzheimer’ s and related Dementias Education and Referral( ADEAR) Center. ADEAR staff can:
• Answer specific questions about Alzheimer’ s and related dementias.
• Send free publications.
• Refer callers to local resources.
• Provide information about clinical trials.
• Help you find materials about specific issues.
Call toll-free 800-438-4380 or visit the ADEAR website at www. nia. nih. gov / alzheimers.
depression, or infection. Sometimes memory problems may be a side effect of medication. But other times, the problem is a type of dementia, such as Alzheimer’ s disease. With a careful family history, physical exam, medical tests, and tests of memory and problem-solving, specialists can diagnose probable or possible Alzheimer’ s and other forms of dementia.
32 Difficult but Necessary Conversations