What's
Normal, What's Not, and When to Seek for a Help
Forgetfulness
is a normal part of aging. However, scientists now know that most people
remain both alert and able as they age, although it may take them longer to
remember things.
Art by BP, 2015
Lack
of sleep: The greatest unappreciated cause of memory
slips is not getting enough sleep. Too little sleep can also lead to mood swing
and anxiety, which in turn contribute to problems with memory.
Medications: Sleeping pills,
antidepressants, some blood pressure drugs, and other medications can affect
memory by causing sedation or confusion. That can make it difficult to pay
close attention to new things. If you suspect that a new medication affects
your memory talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Underactive
thyroid: A faltering thyroid can affect memory. A simple
blood test can tell if your thyroid is doing its job properly.
Stress and anxiety: Anything
that makes it harder to concentrate and lock in new information and skills can
lead to memory problems. Stress and anxiety can interfere with attention and
block the formation of new memories or the retrieval of old ones.
Depression: Common signs of
depression include a stifling sadness, lack of drive, and lessening of pleasure
in things you ordinarily enjoy. Forgetfulness can also be a sign of depression
- or a consequence of it.
Minor head injury also
called a concussion: Classically, someone with concussion has a
headache, appears confused, and has loss of memory around the time of their
head injury. Most people with concussion make a full and quick recovery
and do not need any treatment. In most cases, concussion does not lead to any
long-term problems. However, it is important to note that anyone who has had a
head injury, however minor, does need close monitoring for a few days
afterwards.
Poor nutrition, dehydration or vitamin deficiency: The body and brain need certain foods to be healthy, so
use a balance diet which contains vegetables, fruits, grains, and protein.
Alcohol: Drinking
too much alcohol can interfere with short-term memory, even after the effects
of alcohol have worn off.
A
lot of people experience memory gaps. Some memory problems are worth to worry,
and others are not. People who have serious changes in their memory,
personality, and behavior may suffer from a form of brain disease called dementia.
Dementia seriously affects a person's ability to carry out daily activities. Alzheimer'sdisease is one of many types of dementia.
Dementia
is a group of symptoms that are caused by changes in brain function.
Dementiasymptoms may include asking the same questions repeatedly;
becoming lost in familiar places; being unable to follow directions; getting
disoriented about time, people, and places; and neglecting personal safety, hygiene,
and nutritions.
People with dementia lose their abilities at different rates. Dementia is
caused by many conditions. Some conditions that cause dementia can be reversed,
and others cannot. Further, many different medical conditions may cause
symptoms that seem like Alzhimer's disease, but are not.
Sometimes
older people have emotional problems that can be mistaken for dementia. Feeling
sad, lonely, worried, or bored may be more common for older people facing
retirement or coping with the death of a spouse, relative, or friend. Emotional
problems can be addressed by supportive friends and family, or by professional help.
When
Ask for a Help
Age-Related
Memory Loss
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