Understanding yourself

What is said, and what is underneath.

Studies of the sentences people offer long before they can name what is happening. Starting points for reading, never a diagnosis.

8 studies in Memory and ageing · Show every study

N° 01

Delirium

“Abba didn’t know us in the hospital.”

Sudden confusion in an older person is a medical emergency, often caused by infection or medicines, and often reversible.

N° 02

“Ammu asks the same question every hour.”

Dementia is not a normal part of ageing. Diagnosis helps the person and the family plan, cope and care.

N° 03

“For thirty-four years I knew who I was on Monday.”

Retirement is a gift that can feel like a loss. Purpose, routine and mood can be rebuilt.

N° 04

“At my age, what is there to be happy about?”

Depression is not a normal part of growing old. It is common, often missed, and treatable.

N° 05

“I used to remember every formula. Now I lose words.”

Not every memory lapse is dementia. Assessment finds treatable causes, and nearly half of dementia cases may be linked to factors we can change.

N° 06

“Ammu doesn’t know me some days. I still have to be there.”

Dementia care falls mostly on families. Support for carers can protect their health and improve care at home.

N° 07

“The children are abroad. The phone rings on Sundays.”

Loneliness affects one in six people and is linked to poorer health as well as unhappiness. Connection can be rebuilt.

N° 08

“Abba has kept every newspaper since 1998.”

When letting go of things causes real distress and rooms fill until they cannot be used. It often grows in later life, and patient help works best.