Memory loss is a common condition, especially for aging people and such a condition can be a distressing experience.
But good news! Memory loss does not mean one has a severe condition such as dementia, according to Eat This, Not That!
The No. 1 cause of memory loss, as indicated in the report, is "simply getting older." Forgetfulness is common and does not indicate a serious health problem.
According to the National Institute on Aging, "forgetfulness can be a normal part of the aging process." As people age, changes take place in all body parts, which include the brain.
As a result, some individuals may notice that it may take longer to discover and learn new things. Also, they may not recall information or forget or lose items like car keys. Typically, these are indications of mild forgetfulness, not severe memory issues like Alzheimer's disease for one.
Other Memory Loss Causes and Symptoms
Memory loss can have several causes, including poor sleep, negative reaction to the medication, depression, excessive drinking of too much alcohol, unhealthy diet resulting in vitamin B12 deficiency, a condition known as "mild cognitive impairment." In several cases mentioned, such conditions can be treated to resolve memory loss.
Memory loss is not always a dementia symptom, although it is possible. Dementia, as detailed in Mayo Clinic, is a severe progressive brain disease that can impact the cognition of a person and the ability to spend an independent life.
Symptoms of dementia may include memory changes that disrupt one's daily life, the problem with remembering or recalling recently learned information or recent occurrences.
Other symptoms include difficulty communicating, trouble searching for the right words, getting lost in familiar areas, struggling with following instructions for recipes and directions, and becoming confused about people, places, and time.
The Need to Consult with a Doctor
Once indications linked to dementia become evident and they don't improve in time, it is essential to see a doctor so they can rule out other causes for symptoms and identify if it is dementia or another cognitive issue.
One may need to be referred to a neurologist, geriatrician, or neuropsychologist. With early diagnosis and treatment, it is probable to delay the progression of dementia and retain mental function.
Memory Loss Linked to Emotional Conditions
According to the National Institute of Aging, emotional issues like stress, anxiety, or depression, can make one more forgetful and be mistaken for dementia. For example, a person who has recently retired or coping with a loved one's death may feel quite sad, worried, or bored.
Dealing with major life changes usually leaves some individuals confused and forgetful. Confusion and forgetfulness resulting from emotions typically are temporary and they go away when the feelings vanish.
Emotional problems can be alleviated by supportive family, friends, and loved ones. However, when such feelings last longer than two weeks, it is essential to seek help from a counselor or a doctor.
Treatment may comprise medication, counseling, or both. Being active, not to mention learning new skills, can help one feel better and enjoy enhanced memory.
Related information about causes of memory loss is shown on Ohio State Wexner Medical Center's YouTube video below:
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Check out more news and information on Alzheimer's Disease in Science Times.
