Healthier Hawaii: Warning signs of dementia, tips for healthy aging brains

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – As we get older, it’s natural to notice changes in memory. Forgetting things here and there is common, but what’s normal and what’s not?

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Dr. Marissa Sakoda, a neurologist at Straub Benioff Medical Center, joined Healthier Hawaii to explain the difference and what people can do to keep their minds sharp as they age.

Common questions about memory loss

Sakoda said the questions she hears most often are: Is my memory loss a normal part of aging or something more serious? What is the difference between dementia and Alzheimer’s disease? And if dementia runs in my family, will I develop it?

Dementia is a broad term for memory loss that affects day-to-day function, she said. There are many types of dementia, and Alzheimer’s is the most common form.

“There is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s, but treatments can slow progression,” Sakoda said.

Having a family history of dementia can increase risk, but healthy lifestyle changes can help slow down or reduce that risk.

Normal aging vs. warning signs

Sakoda said it’s very common with age to notice short-term memory issues, such as forgetting where you put your phone or keys, struggling to find the right word, or forgetting names of people and places you don’t see often.

That is normal, she said.

More concerning are memory issues that affect easy, everyday tasks, such as:

Those signs may suggest an underlying neurodegenerative disease, Sakoda said.

What to do if you notice serious symptoms

Talk with your primary care physician, Sakoda said.

“Your doctor can perform an initial screening, memory assessment and other tests. They can also check that memory issues aren’t caused by other factors, such as medications, vitamin B12 deficiency or thyroid disease,” Sakoda added.

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Depending on the results, you may be referred to a neurologist.

How to keep your brain healthy

There are lifestyle changes people can make — both early on or even later in life — to support brain health, Sakoda said.

What’s good for the heart is good for the brain, she said, because the brain depends on healthy blood flow.

Her recommendations include:

Exercise: Aim for 30 to 40 minutes a day, three to four times a week, or 150 minutes total a week, of moderate to intense exercise.

Eat healthy: A Mediterranean-style diet can help with healthy aging and brain health. Limit red meat, fatty and processed foods, foods with high sugar content and alcohol intake.

Prioritize sleep: It’s not just about how many hours you’re getting, but the quality of sleep, Sakoda said. Undiagnosed or untreated sleep apnea may increase risk of cognitive decline.

Stay socially engaged: Connect with others, especially in person if possible.

Do memory games help?

Sakoda said there isn’t a study that proves certain memory games, like crossword puzzles and sudoku, are best for brain health.

The important thing is to find activities you enjoy, she said. That will keep your brain engaged throughout the day and help avoid too much mindless screen time.

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