Women Over 50 Should Never Ignore These Alzheimer's Signs

Knowing when to talk with a doctor is important when forgetfulness becomes an issue.

According to Ernestine A. Wright, M.D., FACP, a board-certified primary care doctor and geriatrics specialist with Mercy Personal Physicians Downtown in Baltimore, there are symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease that women over 50 should never ignore.

When it comes to speech, if you’re repeating things or can’t find the right words time and time again, that could be an issue.

“[Pay attention when] you find that you can’t do things that you normally could do. Like, say you’re maybe the chairman of a board, and you’re used to conducting board meetings, and you suddenly go to a meeting, and you start talking and you don’t know what to say. You lose your train of thought, and you really have no idea what you’re talking about. You get lost in doing things that you normally could do on a day-to-day basis; those are the things that you should look for,” Dr. Wright explained.

Paranoia is another possible indicator of Alzheimer's disease.

There are some lifestyle changes a person can't change, like getting older, but researchers now believe up to 40% of dementia cases may be preventable through lifestyle factors, Dr. Wright said.

So, what can you control?

• Eat brain-healthy food, like a Mediterranean diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables.
• Sleep at least six and a half hours each night to rest your brain cells so they last longer.
• Stay social and keep your brain active even by just doing word puzzles.

View Mercy primary care physician and geriatrics specialist Dr. Ernestine Wright’s interview regarding Alzheimer’s disease in women ages 50 and over.