I'm a writer too, Charlie_J, & I know what you mean about words. Sometimes there's a perfect one--& you just can't get it. Thank heaven for online thesauruses!

Medications can affect cognition too, which my statin drugs have done. Topamax fogs thought processes. Plus I have the gene for Alzheimer's (both g-mas & my dad had that). So when my mind fails me, I have to wonder: Which is out in front today?

I really believe that great nutrition, exercise, & mental stimulation at this point & on to the end of life can do a lot. I've seen it, in nursing homes, where I've volunteered. Don't worry, do stuff that helps. Read--those simple things I cited can really give you an edge.

But words & spelling, well, don't give up that dictionary!