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#7: Forgetfulness and Mild Cognitive Impairment

Hello and welcome to the Medical Narratives podcast with Dr. Michael Gordon. I'm Regina Starr. And in today's episode, we will continue our series on the top ten issues affecting the elderly. We are excited to present another informative episode on the topic of Forgetfulness and Mild Cognitive Impairment. This is a topic that affects many older adults and their families.

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RS: Hello and welcome to the Medical Narratives podcast with Dr. Michael Gordon. I'm Regina Starr. And in today's episode, we will continue our series on the top ten issues affecting the elderly. We are excited to present another informative episode on the topic of Forgetfulness and Mild Cognitive Impairment. This is a topic that affects many older adults and their families.

RS: As our population continues to age, it's becoming increasingly common for people to experience memory lapses and cognitive changes. According to the Alzheimer's Society of Canada, an estimated 10 to 15% of Canadians over the age of 65 have mild cognitive impairment. The prevalence of mild cognitive impairment increases with age, with studies suggesting that up to 25 to 50% of people over the age of 85 may also have it.

RS: It's worth noting that mild cognitive impairment can be difficult to diagnose, and some individuals may not seek medical attention for their symptoms. As a result, the true prevalence of mild cognitive impairment in the Canadian or North American population may be higher than reported. While forgetfulness can be a normal part of aging. It can also be a symptom of more serious conditions, such as mild cognitive impairment or even dementia.

RS: It's important for doctors to understand the nuances of forgetfulness and cognitive decline and to be able to provide patients with accurate information and effective interventions. Today, in my conversation with Dr. Gordon, he will shed light on this complex and often misunderstood topic. So let's get started. Hello, Michael. How are you?

MG: Good morning. I should say good afternoon. Fine, thank you.

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Dr. Michael Gordon recently retired after a fulfilling career as a geriatrician that spanned 56 years, 44 of which he spent working at the Baycrest Center in Toronto. He is Emeritus Professor of Medicine at the University of Toronto. Dr. Gordon is a recognized ethicist and a thought leader on all topics of care of the elderly and end-of-life decisions. Currently, Dr. Gordon provides part-time professional medical consulting mainly in the domain of cognition and memory loss.