"Let's not normalize forgetfulness": specialist shares the keys to detecting dementia early

Growing old doesn't mean forgetting . That's one of the first thoughts that Dr. Rufino de Jesús Solís Pérez , a geriatrics specialist, shares with Yucatecan families.

“ There is a misconception that forgetfulness is a natural part of aging, but when it starts to affect daily life, it ceases to be normal and becomes a red flag ,” he explains.

Dr. Solís Pérez, a graduate of the Autonomous University of Yucatán (UADY) with a degree in Medicine and Surgery and a specialty in Geriatrics from the University of Guadalajara , currently works in both the public and private sectors in Mérida.

In Mexico , dementia has become a public health problem associated with the aging population.

It is estimated that around 1.3 million people in the country live with some type of dementia , the most common being Alzheimer 's disease and vascular dementia , which represent about 90% of cases.

The prevalence among adults over 65 years of age is around 9% and increases with age.

The Yucatecan specialist shares his experience with the newspaper and warns that the first symptoms of cognitive decline usually appear between the ages of 60 and 65 , although each case has its own unique characteristics.

“ In Geriatrics we divide adult activities into two types: basic and instrumental .

The first changes are usually seen in the instrumented ones: difficulty driving on familiar routes, confusion when paying at the bank, forgetting the doses of medication or not knowing what to buy at the supermarket .”

These small lapses, he adds, may seem harmless, but when they begin to affect daily routines, they represent a clear sign that something is happening in the brain.

“ If you were able to drive without any problem before and now you no longer recognize certain streets, or if you were able to keep track of your accounts and now you can't, it's time to see a doctor .”

Not all forgetfulness is worrying.

The specialist distinguishes between cognitive complaints, typical of aging, and cognitive decline that leads to dementia.

“ It's one thing to forget where I put my keys, but still be able to do my job without any problems; it's quite another for my forgetfulness to interfere with my work, my calculations, my art, or my decisions .”

Detecting dementia in its early stages not only improves the prognosis, but can also slow its progression.

" When the patient arrives in the later stages, it's no longer a matter of forgetfulness; it's total dependence . In these cases, the adult requires assistance with dressing, eating, or walking, " explains Dr. Solís Pérez.

The diagnosis includes a comprehensive medical evaluation that includes laboratory and imaging studies and a review of medications and chronic illnesses.

" It's not just about the brain, but about the body as a whole. Diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, or high cholesterol can accelerate deterioration if not well controlled ," he clarifies.

The two most common types of dementia are Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia .

The first primarily affects short-term memory; the second is related to circulatory problems in the brain.

“ In Alzheimer's, the patient begins to forget recent events, such as what they had for breakfast, what they did an hour ago. In vascular dementia, there is often a history of hypertension, diabetes, or cerebrovascular events .”

In both cases, he emphasizes, early detection can slow deterioration.

“ A patient diagnosed early can maintain their autonomy for longer with pharmacological support, cognitive therapy, and a supportive family network.

However, when symptoms are minimized, believing them to be normal for age, the disease progresses until the patient can no longer care for themselves .

Dr. Solís Pérez emphasizes that families should be attentive to changes in the older adult's behavior, mood, and functioning.

" If you notice that your child is falling frequently, losing their appetite, becoming disoriented, or beginning to exhibit behaviors they didn't exhibit before, you should consult a specialist. You shouldn't wait until they 'forget everything' to take action ."

The approach, he indicates, should always include caregivers and family members.

“ When a patient begins to show signs of deterioration, it changes not only their life, but also the lives of those around them . That's why it's important to accompany the diagnosis with guidance, emotional support, and understanding .”

Although dementia is associated with old age, prevention begins decades earlier.

“ From an early age, we must take care of our lifestyle, control blood pressure, glucose, and lipid levels; maintain a balanced diet, exercise, and sleep well. All of this protects the brain ,” he advises.

The concept of healthy aging, he points out, is the cornerstone of modern geriatrics: "It's not about living longer, but about living them with independence, clarity, and quality of life."

For Dr. Solís Pérez, geriatrics is not only a medical specialty, but also a deeply human vocation.

“ At the heart of the geriatrician is the desire to accompany . To treat, guide, and improve the patient's quality of life, even if they are 90 or 95 years old, and to demonstrate that they can still function, that they can still enjoy their surroundings .”

He also acknowledges that the specialty is still little known.

“ Geriatrics is young, but increasingly necessary . In Mexico, the population over 60 will grow considerably by 2030 and 2040. Knowing how to detect, understand, and address the changes associated with aging will be vital for our society .”

“The most important thing,” he concludes, “is not to normalize forgetting . Behind a memory loss may be a disease that, if detected early, allows us to preserve what is most valuable: the independence and dignity of older adults .”

Dr. Rufino de Jesús Solís Pérez , a specialist in Geriatrics , sees patients in the afternoons at the Mérida Clinic , in office 115.

The phone number is 9993-96-35-52