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Can memory loss be stopped in its tracks?

Can memory loss be stopped in its tracks?

At age 58, I’m doing some stupid things. Well, I’ve always done stupid things, but now they’re different stupid things, like dropping a word into a sentence that I know is the wrong word as soon as I say it, but’s it too late to pull it back.

The key is that I know it’s wrong, so I know I don’t have dementia. It’s something like the memory issues faced by older adults in a new program at the University of Pittsburgh for people who have mild cognitive impairment. It’s a memory-related condition that can indicate someone will get Alzheimer’s disease in the future, but not necessarily. They’re at a stage where they are still active and functioning, and research suggests some wide-ranging stimulation will help keep them that way longer.

Pitt’s Brain Exercise and Training Wellness Program, or BRiTE, is described in an article headlined “Train your brain.” It’s open to the public, and participants pay on a sliding-fee basis, according to income, to be stimulated by a range of activities that include music, art, exercise and computer game training. There’s also free transportation to the site in Oakland.

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Those with memory problems that suggest they have mild cognitive impairment can apply for the program by calling 412-383-6010. More information is also available at brite.pitt.edu.

Upcoming events

UPMC McKeesport is sponsoring a free health education discussion to help the public understand both dementia and depression — and the differences between them — from noon to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 1. Call 412-664-2306 to register or obtain more information.

Gary Rotstein: grotstein@post-gazette.com or 412-263-1255.

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First Published: January 17, 2017, 5:59 p.m.

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