For anyone worried- you are probably fine but check with a dr. if you are truly concerned.

I have ADHD and experience forgetfulness too, and have worked with people who have dementia for the past 10 years (In particular, those who have Alzheimer’s). There’s differences in how we forget.

Those, who have Dementia, are some of my favorite people on earth. If you want to deep dive, read below. This is what I know about it. Things are always evolving, because the brain is complicated. So it is based on my personal experiences, my understanding, and my trainings I’ve attended. I may be wrong.

For ADHD- the symptoms don’t suddenly appear and there are other symptoms we experience.

For those with Alzheimer’s and some other Dementias- it gets progressively worse. They used to say people would progress through stages (kind of an outdated term now). They start forgetting short term until it works back through the long term memory. Not always linearly- but almost always gets worse.

Also forgetting can be from vitamin deficiencies, dehydration, or other things- so doctors usually have to rule everything else out before they come to a conclusion of Dementia.

From the latest data I heard, you can help your future self now by keeping your brain flexible- by being a lifelong learner. It gives you more pathways, even if you do get Dementia.

Do things that challenge the brain, and mindful meditation, exercise (especially ones that cross the midbrain- so reach with your left arm to your right leg), eat well, and stay hydrated- these all help with keeping our brains agile.

Then listen to a lot of music- all genres. And make playlists of your favorite songs for your future caregivers. Because in my experience, the biggest thing that helps people with Dementia is music. (Alive inside- is a great documentary about this).

Someone will be stuck at the sink and I start singing “you are my sunshine” and they instantly start washing their hands while singing with me. This works because they sang that song as as a younger person and loved it. For another woman- it was Christmas hymns. Or John Denver, the Beatles, Billie Holiday...

Music and laughter are some of the things that remain with you until the end of Alzheimer’s. (Social and religious practices too- if those were important to you in life.)