Memory Loss and When To Reach Out For Help

So, you forgot to put out the garbage for collection. No big deal. Except that you also forgot about that appointment you booked a few weeks ago. And what about when you forgot the name of the person you were talking to? Or when suddenly your living room seemed totally unfamiliar? As you age, memory loss is common...but how do you differentiate between what is normal and what is abnormal?
Memory loss and aging go hand in hand. This is because the brain changes as you get older. In fact, there are a number of different reasons why you may have memory issues after the age of 65. When you grow older, the brain itself begins to shrink and doesn't work in the same way as it did previously. Different areas of the brain can become affected by aging, primarily the parts of your brain that are linked to memory. The result is that you may forget what you meant to buy at the grocery store from time to time. This may be annoying, but it certainly isn't life threatening. Age-related memory loss doesn't stop you from being able to live your life. You can still live an active and social lifestyle without depending on others for assistance.
However, memory loss can also be far more serious and significant in your every day life. Rather than forgetting your grocery list, you may feel disoriented or confused. You may even forget where you are. There are a number of brain diseases that are linked to memory loss, particularly once you pass the age of 65. Serious and incurable brain diseases like dementia and Alzheimer's disease currently affect millions of people around the world. The symptoms of these progressive diseases are typically memory loss, difficulty processing or retaining information, forgetfulness, disorientation, behavioural changes, and problems accomplishing everyday tasks. Memory related issues are common symptoms of serious brain diseases.
So, the question remains: How can you tell whether your memory loss is normal or if it is an indication of a more serious problem? There are a number of ways to separate age related memory loss from dementia and other diseases. Here are some of the most common:
The first sign of age related memory loss is being absentminded. This has happened to all of us at one time or another. Absentmindedness happens most often when you aren't really paying attention to what is happening - either what is being said, or what time it is. This can result in missing appointments, running late, or not being able to keep up in conversation. While this may happen from time to time, it isn't necessarily a sign of serious memory problems.
Another common sign of age related memory loss is known as blocking. This memory related issue typically feels like there is a block of sorts, on your memory. For example, if someone asks you a question. You know that you know the answer, but you can't quite think of it in that moment. You may even think of another answer altogether, but know that it is incorrect. No matter how hard you try, the correct answer refuses to surface. Blocking can be an especially frustrating symptom of age-related memory loss, but does not typically indicate a serious medical problem.
Forgetting information that you have just learned, or memories and events that you already know may seem quite serious. However, this is actually a very common effect of the aging process. Known as transience, forgetting things that you have learned is not necessarily something that you need to be overly concerned about - this is just one way that the brain clears up space.
Other normal age related signs of memory loss include: misattribution, which is when you incorrectly remember certain details of an event. For example, you remember that you went to the lake last summer, but you remember the name of that lake incorrectly. The power of suggestion is another normal age related sign of memory loss. This is when you know what happened, but others recollections of the event or memory changes the way that you remember it.
While all of these age related memory issues may seem serious, they are typically quite normal and don't necessarily need to be worried about. To deal with the every day effects of normal age related memory loss, try making lists and putting reminders around your house so that you won't forget things as frequently.
What memory related problems should you be concerned about? Simply put, any time that memory loss affects your ability to live your life, you should be concerned. Consider the following carefully: Do you forget about important events or appointments consistently? Are you experiencing poor judgement and decision-making skills? Is it becoming more difficult to find the right words to say? Or, are you repeating yourself over and over without even realizing it? All of these are signs that may indicate that your memory loss may be more significant.
Other ways that you may be able to tell if your memory loss is more than just age related, are if you are mixing up words - saying one word and meaning another, misplacing items, getting lost in familiar areas, experiencing rapid changes in your behaviour or mood, having difficulty following simple directions, no longer taking care of yourself - through your eating habits and hygiene, or feeling withdrawn and isolated from family, friends, and social obligations.
If you are concerned that your memory loss may be serious, than it is important to seek out appropriate medical care. Chances are, if you are concerned about memory loss, you have a reason to be. The best thing to do is speak with your doctor about what has been happening. Be specific and tell let them know the ways that memory loss has been affecting your day-to-day life. Your doctor will be able to help determine what the issue is or put you in touch with a specialist who will be able to diagnose the problem. There are a number of medical professionals who specialize in memory loss and Alzheimer's related issues who can help with necessary care moving forward.
Memory loss can be a serious issue. As you age, certain types of memory loss are common and will not dramatically affect your independence or the way that you live your life. In some cases, however, memory loss can indicate more serious medical issues, like dementia or Alzheimer's disease. Know when to be concerned and when to chalk it up to the perks of getting older. If you believe that your memory loss is abnormal, seek medical attention to find out for sure.
Dr. David Tal has more than twenty years of clinical experience. He strongly believes that medical treatment can improve the life of Alzheimer's and memory loss patients. His participation at the Age Matters Clinic allows him to share his knowledge with patients and their families.