{"id":10013,"date":"2013-03-13T14:25:14","date_gmt":"2013-03-13T20:25:14","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/communique.uccs.edu\/?p=10013"},"modified":"2013-03-14T13:23:32","modified_gmt":"2013-03-14T19:23:32","slug":"aging-center-offers-answers-to-memory-questions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/communique.uccs.edu\/?p=10013","title":{"rendered":"Aging Center offers answers to memory questions"},"content":{"rendered":"

Occasionally forgetting things is a normal part of aging, according to UCCS experts.<\/p>\n

\"John<\/a>
John Crumlin<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

But what\u2019s normal \u2013 and what might be a more serious psychological problem \u2013 is often difficult to comprehend without assistance. That\u2019s where the CU Aging Center and its memory clinic can help. On a sliding fee scale that ranges from $5 to $50, those more than 50 years of age can find out if what they are experiencing is typical or worthy of closer investigation.<\/p>\n

\u201cI had a client who was a successful 67-year-old business man,\u201d John Crumlin, assistant professor, CU Aging Center said. \u201cHe retired but was bored so went back to work part-time. He came to us because he felt like he wasn\u2019t catching on to the new job as fast as he thought he should and feared he might have Alzheimer\u2019s disease.\u201d<\/p>\n

Crumlin\u2019s client later learned his cognitive functions were above average for his age. He quit worrying about Alzheimer\u2019s and applied himself to his new job.<\/p>\n

The lever for releasing the client\u2019s anxiety was a pencil and paper test that requires about an hour to complete and is conducted by psychology graduate students specializing in geropsychology. A staff psychologist reviews the results immediately following the test and provides feedback to the client, including any recommended actions.<\/p>\n

While Crumlin likes to tell the story of the hardworking 67-year-old, he\u2019s direct that not all test outcomes are positive. He cited as an example an 83-year-old woman who was referred to the clinic by a daughter worried about her mother\u2019s forgetfulness and poor nutrition. The memory exam revealed depression and a recommendation for both medication and psychotherapy. In another case, fears of Alzheimer\u2019s in a 61-year-old man were confirmed.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe fear of Alzheimer\u2019s alone can cause anxiety and its own set of problems,\u201d Crumlin said. \u201cIt\u2019s better to address those concerns and, when presented with information, take action.\u201d<\/p>\n

For the students administering the exams, the experience of working one-on-one with seniors is invaluable as they move from a theoretical base to helping individuals with practical, real-life issues.<\/p>\n

Crumlin encouraged members, relatives, and friends of the campus community who are more than 50 years of age to consider memory testing. Testing is recommended when there are:<\/p>\n