Dementia Not Yet on the Doorstep

 By Roy Ortega

My personal panel of medical advisers assures me I am not losing my mind yet. This week, I received
the results of a recent brain MRI. My neurologist ordered the scan based on a suspicion of possible cognitive decline. Recent episodes of acute forgetfulness stirred a major concern that I might be "losing it," as my wife puts it. 
 

Honestly, I am not prone to self-diagnose via the wonders of the internet tubes on my computer. But as a fully self-aware human, I noticed some unusual patterns swirling in my head. Lack of interest, focus and motivation. Bouts of irritability. Balance problems. And I noticed I was getting distracted easily.

Squirrel!

The activity I sensed seemed to identify closely with the onset of Parkinson's Disease or some other form of dementia. Why would I not be concerned? It just happens to run in my family. Both of my parents experienced dementia-related conditions in their old age.   

The result of the MRI confirmed a diagnosis of only one thing: Microvascular Ischemic Disease. Sounds horrible, doesn't it? A careful review of the facts shows it simply means I'm experiencing short-term memory loss attributable to the aging process. Memory loss at age 73 is about as common as constipation.  

Bottom line: Nothing to see here folks, move along.

I suggested to my neurologist that perhaps I need a psychiatrist instead. The one mental issue I want to avoid at all costs is becoming an angry and bitter old curmudgeon in my old age.

 "Get off my lawn!" 

I have given my family permission to lock me in the attic if I start behaving like a cantankerous old coot. 

Roy Ortega may be contacted at royortega1953@gmail.com