Forgetting a word in the middle of a conversation, not remembering where the keys were, or repeating a familiar story are common scenes in daily life. In an aging society, these episodes often spark immediate fear: Alzheimer’s. However, medical science insists on clarifying that not all memory loss is a sign of this disease.

The neurologist Claudio Alejandro Jimenez, neurophysiologist and director of the stroke care center of the Northern Subnet of the Simón Bolívar Hospital, explained that Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia, but not the only condition that can affect cognitive processes.

Memory, language, orientation and the ability to plan also change over time and not always in a constant way. pathological.

The brain ages, just like the rest of the body. In this process, certain slight forgetfulness is part of normality. The breaking point, according to the specialist, is not in the forgetfulness itself, but in its consequences on the person’s functionality.

In normal aging, forgetfulness is usually sporadic and reversible. Information may be lost momentarily, but reappears later. These failures They do not prevent you from working, moving around the city or maintaining your social life..

The difference appears when memory stops being a detail and becomes a obstacle. Not remembering important appointments, getting lost in familiar places, or not knowing how to perform everyday tasks, such as preparing a meal, are warning signs. In these cases, the deterioration is no longer isolated and begins to compromise independence.

Dementias, including Alzheimer’s, don’t just affect memory. They also alter language, reasoning, planning and problem-solving skills. Furthermore, its evolution is progressive. Over time, forgetfulness becomes more frequent and profound, and can involve old memories and skills that were previously well established.

One of the most important messages from specialists is that not all memory losses are due to neurodegenerative diseases. There are multiple causes that can cause similar symptoms and, in many cases, they are treatable.

Vitamin deficiencies, thyroid disorders, metabolic problems, consumption of certain medications, sleep disorders such as apnea, head injuries, depression, anxiety or prolonged stress can affect the cognitive performance.

Even the excessive alcohol consumption It can generate confusion and persistent forgetfulness. For this reason, when faced with memory loss that interferes with daily life, the recommendation is to seek medical advice.

Diagnosis is not based on a single test, but rather a comprehensive evaluation that may include clinical interviews, cognitive exams, blood tests, and brain imaging, with the goal of identify reversible causes or rule out diseases of greater complexity.

Although Alzheimer’s cannot be completely prevented, international scientific evidence shows that the risk can be significantly reduced. Studies led by institutions such as University College London, the Karolinska Institute and universities in the United States have shown that a healthy lifestyle protects brain function.

The physical activity Regularly improves circulation and vascular health, key factors for the brain. A balanced diet, Rich in fruits, vegetables, fish and healthy fats, it is associated with a lower risk of cognitive decline. Sleep well, manage stress and maintain an active social life They also play a determining role.

Jiménez highlighted the importance of the calls brain gyms. Reading, writing, learning new languages ​​or skills, and playing games that challenge the mind help strengthen neural connections. These practices, added to taking care of the body, have a greater impact than genetic predisposition in the most frequent cases of dementia.

The final message is clear. Forgetting is not always a disease, but ignoring the signs can be a risk. Consult in time, get informed and adopt healthy habits It allows us to differentiate the natural passage of years from a problem that requires specialized attention. In both cases, taking care of memory is a way to take care of autonomy and quality of life.

By María Paula Lozano Moreno