I really am alone. in a town where no one knows me but a few other seniors in the senior apts I live in. I was diagnosed with light dementhia over 16 years ago. but it never got any worse. then I got better. now I am having the same symptoms again. going into another room and not remembering why when I get there., having anxiety if I have to drive anywhere. I even go to click from one thing to another on here and cant remember what I was going to click on. is there anyone who can help. I don't want to be put in a nursing home if I am not a danger to myself or others, but its really frightening when you have no family to turn to

Dear Granny,

have you talked to your doc. about this? I am sure they would know better what is going on with you, I do hope that you can find the answers you're looking for and wish you all the best

Grannie,

I agree that you should mention your concerns to your Doctor, it may be nothing or you may need some meds. With the mind it really is a case of Use It Or Lose It. Coming here, stimulating your memory and interacting with all your new friends - for that is what we are - will do wonders to get your brain working.

Dave.

Hi grannietwoshoes,

I agree with katmae and Dave that you should speak with your doctor.

I also wonder if you're taking any medications, Statins or antidepressants, for any other conditions?

I understand the concerns about being alone and feeling this way however it's not going to help the way you're feeling if you get ahead of yourself and start thinking the worst. When was the last time you had a thorough checkup with your doctor?

Feeling anxious and seriously depressed can do all sorts of things to our minds and bodies.

Let us know how you're doing.

take care there.

You sound like you're having panic. Maybe you could play some games to get your mind off yourself and focus on other things. I share your fear of going out but I just have to because I don't have anyone either. I go into rooms and forget why all the time and I don't have dementia. That's the panic, you think the worst when you forget something, you probably are preoccupied, you are thinking too much. It's a scary world and a certain amount of fear is only normal. Listen to music, make something good to eat, go to the Y, if you have one and swim, get a pet, go for a walk if it's safe, journalize, draw. I can suggest more things if I can think of any. I just recently, am trying to learn how to play chess, not too successful at it. Eat a cookie.

You can PM me if you want.

Grannie,

I am so sorry to hear about your trouble. I know that is frightening and worrisome. I have to jump in on the doctor suggestions. Your GP is a good place to start but If you live in a place large enough to have a geriatric psychiatrist they would be your best bet for evaluation. Geri-psych will know the most about available meds and any interactions. Medications for cognitive decline can slow the progression. The doc can also refer you to a psychologist for neuropsych testing which will give you a baseline for where your memory is now and allow them to make specific suggestions for care and safety issues. It will also help track progression if you ever have a sudden change.

Is there an Area Agency on Aging where you are? They could help with resources.

Hold on to hope, there is help out there.

Hi Grannie

I've had similar symptoms to you in the past and as Lara asked maybe it has something to do with medications you are already taking. Mine was partly caused by simply being on a too high a dose of a medication for too long. At the same time I had decreasing Vitamin B12 levels. Low B12 can also cause symptoms similar to yours.

Start with a visit to your doctor - get any current medications reviewed and ask for a B12 test. (If you are currently taking B12 or a multi-vitamin with B12 in it - stop taking it for 5 days before the test as it can skew the results.) Ask for a printed copy of your test results and come back here with the numbers. As you've no doubt read on other threads there is a lot of discussion about B12 and the out-of-date ranges still being used by physicians.

I hope as you spend some time on the NT forum you make some new friends and don't feel quite so much on your own. Take care - bluesfan

Hi granny shoes, I agree with the other posters you need to one make an appt with your Dr and get some clinical advise. You mention you are in a senior bldg and you should be able to make friends and go to social events. You need to find out if your insurance covers an aid to come in and help you. I would definitely find out all your options. You need to first make an appt with your Dr.

It may not be a good idea for you to drive a car. You may be eligible for meals on wheels or you may enjoy dining with the residence,