We've all been in that situation. You have an idea of what you want to say, but you can't recall the expression. You've forgotten the title of a favorite film. You're about to leave for an appointment when you remember you've forgotten your car keys or phone.
People who experience frequent forgetfulness or memory lapses are also concerned about dementia, Alzheimer's disease, or another incurable, progressive disease. However, this isn't always the case.
It's not unusual to forget why you entered a room, have trouble remembering the name of someone you just met, or have a word on the tip of your tongue that comes to you later. If memory loss begins to interfere with everyday life, such as missing appointments or failing to take drugs, further assessment is recommended.
Common Causes of Memory Loss
Forgetfulness may be caused by a number of factors and even certain substances.
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Depression, anxiety, and stress - Stress and mood swings can be distracting and make it difficult to concentrate, which can lead to memory issues.
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Thyroid problems or vitamin deficiencies
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Alcoholism
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Medications – These include over-the-counter sleep aids, asthma medications, overactive bladder medications, and pain medications, among others.
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Sleep disorders – Insomnia or untreated sleep apnea may impair thought and memory. Healthy sleep habits, addressing the underlying causes of sleep problems, or being tested for sleep apnea may both help alleviate these symptoms.
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Chronic pain
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Loss of vision or hearing
These issues can offer the appearance of memory loss
Also Read: What is Chronic Care Management
When forgetfulness isn't the only issue
The first thought that comes to mind when someone encounters forgetfulness is dementia.
Dementia is not just a natural part of aging, as many people believe. Dementia is a loss of control that occurs sooner or quicker than normal aging.
Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia in people over 65. Alzheimer's disease is characterized by recalling recent events or conversations, repetition, and becoming lost in common locations, among other symptoms. The majority of people with Alzheimer's disease are unaware that they are experiencing these issues.
Cerebrovascular disease. or damage to the brain's blood vessels is another common cause of dementia. Strokes and many of the same factors that cause heart diseases, such as poorly regulated high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and smoking, can cause this harm.
Although there is no way to undo the harm that has already been done, working to control these conditions and following a healthier lifestyle will help to reduce the risk.
When a person has memory loss, regardless of the cause, safety is a top priority. Watching how a person manages their drugs and finances, as well as driving skills, will help detect concerns that may become early safety issues.
Also Read: Recommended Medical Tests Every Senior Should Get
What would you expect?
Having an appointment with your primary care provider if you or a loved one is worried about forgetfulness is the first move. Having examples of your memory loss when you communicate with your provider can be very helpful. You'll also be questioned about your sleeping patterns, mood swings, and physical changes including dizziness, tremors, or falls.
And don't put it off any longer. Sudden memory loss or confusion may be a sign of something more severe, like a stroke or a serious infection.
Memory and other cognitive skills assessments are vital aspects of an examination, but they do not include a diagnosis on their own. The physical exam, blood work, and brain imaging results are also taken into consideration. It's possible that further research is required.
Having another person at the appointment will help you share valuable details, whether it's for yourself or a loved one.
Having a friend or family member with you can be immensely beneficial in terms of providing an outside view on any improvements they might have noticed.
Memory loss and forgetfulness should be avoided
It is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle in order to maintain brain health. You will be able to slow memory loss and reduce forgetfulness by doing the following:
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Socializing - Social isolation can lead to unhealthy stress and depression. Forming and maintaining strong bonds will help you relax and feel better.
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Exercise - low-impact exercise, such as walking 30 minutes five days a week, will help.
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Healthy eating - The mind diet is good for your brain. The MIND diet combines the DASH and the Mediterranean eating plans, which emphasize brain-protecting foods like fish, chicken, nuts, and green leafy vegetables while limiting refined foods, sugary foods, and saturated fat.
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Staying cognitively engaged - Engage in mentally stimulating behaviors such as reading, playing sports, solving puzzles, or picking up a new hobby. The more difficult, the better.
Anyone worried about forgetfulness or any other improvement in their ability to work normally should contact their primary care physician. Taking action to recognize and address reversible or treatable causes will help improve memory and mental health.