How to tell if memory loss is normal or a sign of dementia

2024-08-17 02:46:12

Everyone forgets things sometimes. How often have you misplaced your cell phone or car keys? Have you ever forgotten the name of a person you just met?

Some degree of memory problems and a modest decline in other thinking skills are common parts of agingHowever, there is a difference between normal changes and memory loss associated with dementia, alzheimer’s disease and other related disorders. And some memory problems may be caused by other treatable conditions.

It’s normal to have some memory loss as we age. This won’t stop us from living a full and productive life. For example, we may occasionally forget the name of an acquaintance but remember it later. We may lose our glasses or need to write down a list to remember tasks.

These memory changes can be irritating, but they are normal and manageable. They do not interrupt the ability to work, live independently or maintain a social life.

The dementia It is not a specific disease. It is a group of symptoms that affect memory, reasoning, judgment, language, and other thinking skills.

It usually begins gradually, worsens over time, and interferes with a person’s daily life, including work, managing daily tasks, and social interactions and relationships.

Memory loss is often one of the first or most recognizable signs of dementia. Other early signs may include:

1. Asking the same questions repeatedly.

2. Forgetting common words when speaking.

3. Mix wordslike saying “bed” instead of “table.”

4. Take more time to complete family tasks, how to follow a recipe.

5. Losing objects in inappropriate placeslike putting a wallet in a kitchen drawer.

6. Be lost while walking or driving in a familiar area.

7. Having mood swings or behavior for no apparent reason.

It is important to consult a doctor if you are concerned about memory loss or if your loved ones notice changes in your thinking, in order to make a proper diagnosis (Europa Press)

This disorder involves a marked decline in at least one area of ​​thinking skills, such as memoryThis decline is greater than the changes of aging and less than those of dementia. Having mild cognitive impairment does not prevent you from functioning every day and being socially engaged.

Researchers and doctors are still learning about mild cognitive impairments. For some people, the condition does not worsen and they can remain independent. For others, mild cognitive impairment is an early symptom of Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer or other disorder that causes dementia.

Many medical problems can cause memory loss or other dementia-like symptoms. Most of these conditions can be treated. Your doctor can check you for conditions that cause them.

Possible causes of reversible memory loss include:

Certain conditions and factors such as sleep disorders, medications, trauma or minor head injury, emotional problems, alcoholism, vitamin B12 deficiency, hypothyroidism and brain diseases can cause reversible memory loss (Illustrative image Infobae)

1. MedicinesCertain medications or a combination of medications may cause forgetfulness or confusion.

2. Minor head trauma or injury. A head injury from a fall or accident, even if you do not lose consciousness, can sometimes cause memory problems.

3. Emotional disorders. Stress, anxiety or depression can cause forgetfulness, confusion, difficulty concentrating and other problems that disrupt daily activities.

4. Sleep disorders. Poor quality or insufficient sleep can cause mental confusion and forgetfulness that can interfere with a person’s daily life. Obstructive sleep apnea is a common example of a sleep disorder that causes cognitive impairment that can be reversed by treating the underlying problem.

A prompt diagnosis is crucial to identify reversible causes of memory impairment and allow for appropriate treatment, as well as to diagnose mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer’s or other related disorders early (Illustrative Image Infobae)

1. Alcoholism. Chronic alcoholism can seriously affect mental abilities. It can also cause memory loss by interacting with medications.

2. Vitamin B12 deficiency. Vitamin B12 helps maintain healthy nerve cells and red blood cells. A vitamin B12 deficiency, common in older adults, can cause memory problems.

3. HypothyroidismAn underactive thyroid gland, or hypothyroidism, can cause forgetfulness and other thinking problems.

4. Brain diseases. Although less common than other causes, a tumor or infection in the brain can cause memory problems or other types of dementia.

The diagnostic process may include a physical exam, blood tests, brain imaging, and possibly neuropsychological testing to identify reversible causes of memory loss or confirm the presence of dementia (Illustrative Image Infobae)

Talk to your health care team if you are concerned about memory loss or if a family member has raised concerns about changes in your thinking. Sometimes the people who know you best will notice changes. It’s good to have a family member or friend nearby to answer some questions based on observations. Questions doctors may ask include:

• When did your memory problems start?

• What medicationsincluding prescription, over-the-counter, and dietary supplements, are you taking and in what doses? Have you recently started taking a new medication?

• What tasks do you find difficult?

• What have you done to deal with your memory problems?

• How much alcohol do you drink?

Accepting memory loss and the possible onset of dementia can be difficult, and some people may try to hide their problems (Illustrative Image Infobae)

1. Have you recently had an accident, fallen or injured your head?

2. Do you have trouble sleeping?

3. Have you been sick recently?

4. Do you feel sad, depressed or anxious?

5. Have you recently had a major loss, change, or stressful event in your life?

6. You may have a general physical exam, blood tests, or brain imaging. These can help identify reversible causes of memory problems and dementia-like symptoms.

You may be referred to a specialist who can diagnose dementia or memory disorders, such as a neurologist, psychiatrist, neuropsychologist or geriatricianYou may need additional testing, known as neuropsychological testing, to determine whether your thinking changes are normal for your age or not.

Accepting memory loss and the possible onset of dementia can be difficult. Some people try to hide their memory problems. Family members or friends compensate for a person’s memory loss, sometimes without being aware of how much they have adjusted to the disability.

Get a rapid diagnosis It is important, but challenging. Identifying a reversible cause of memory impairment allows you to get the right treatment.

In addition, an early diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer’s disease, or a related disorder is beneficial because it can begin treatmentidentify resources, resolve legal issues and determine future care preferences.