Q: I am 72 and suddenly feel less confident while walking outside. Is this normal ageing?

A: Balance can decline with age due to reduced muscle strength, inner ear changes, poor vision, sometimes Parkinson’s Disease or certain medicines. Fear of falling often follows. A balance assessment, vitamin D check and simple strengthening exercises can restore confidence.

Q: My mother is 78 and keeps asking what day it is. Is that dementia?

A: Occasional confusion about dates is common with ageing. Dementia is suspected when confusion becomes frequent and is accompanied by difficulty managing daily tasks, handling money, or recognising familiar places.

Q: My father with Alzheimer’s sometimes becomes suspicious of family members. Why does this happen?

A: In Alzheimer’s disease, changes in brain circuits affecting memory and perception can lead to paranoia or mistrust. The person may feel others are hiding things or stealing belongings. Calm reassurance and a structured environment help reduce distress.

Q: My grandmother has dementia and sometimes forgets who I am, but later remembers me again. Is that possible?

A: Yes. Dementia often fluctuates. The brain may temporarily retrieve stored memories and then lose access again. Such “windows of clarity” are common and emotionally meaningful for families.

Q: I am 74 and feel breathless when climbing stairs but tests are normal. What could it be?

A: Breathlessness may arise from deconditioning, meaning the body has lost stamina due to reduced activity. Gradual physical conditioning under medical guidance can improve lung efficiency and endurance.

Q: My appetite has reduced a lot in old age. Should I force myself to eat?

A: Appetite decline is common due to reduced metabolism, taste changes, medications or mood disturbances. Instead of large meals, smaller nutrient-dense meals spaced through the day are often better tolerated.

Q: I sometimes forget names but remember faces clearly. Is this memory loss?

A: Difficulty recalling names is one of the earliest and most common memory lapses even in healthy ageing. Concern arises when memory problems begin interfering with everyday functioning.

Q: My hands tremble slightly when holding a cup. Is this Parkinson’s disease?

A: Not necessarily. Mild tremor may be essential tremor, anxiety-related tremor, or medication-related. Parkinson’s tremor usually occurs at rest and is associated with stiffness and slowed movement.

Q: I wake up multiple times at night to pass urine. Is this normal at my age?

A: Night-time urination, called nocturia, increases with age due to bladder changes, prostate enlargement in men, diabetes, or fluid intake patterns. Persistent nocturia should be medically evaluated.

Q: My father with dementia keeps wandering outside the house. What should we do?

A: Wandering is common in dementia due to confusion about place or time. Ensure home safety, maintain a consistent routine, use identification cards or bracelets and keep doors monitored.

Q: I feel mentally slower than before. Should I worry about dementia?

A: Mental processing speed slows with age, but wisdom and judgement often remain strong. Cognitive exercises, reading, social interaction, and physical activity help maintain brain health.

Q: My mother says she feels “empty” after retirement even though she is physically healthy.

A: Retirement can trigger a loss of identity and purpose. Encouraging social engagement, hobbies, volunteering, or spiritual activities can restore psychological well-being.

Note: These responses are for general awareness and do not replace professional medical advice.

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