Understanding Memory Loss: When To Be Worried

 Understanding Memory Loss: When To Be Worried

 

Health Memory loss is typically associated with aging but it’s wrong to assume that every senior citizen suffers from it. Some octogenarians display remarkable recollection while some who are decades younger are termed forgetful. So when should you be worried? Occasional forgetfulness is common and completely normal. A busy mind, rushing to meet deadlines or even not trying hard enough to remember can be blamed. The problem arises when out-of-character behavior and displays of memory loss that’s not deemed normal becomes frequent. Dementia is an unfortunate byproduct of age. Not everyone suffers from it but for those who do, living life normally can be frustrating while loved ones around them feel increasingly sad and have difficulty adjusting. Normal age-related memory problems Everyone forgets where they’ve left their keys or cell phones. It’s nothing to panic about and if you find yourself at your wits end trying to remember where you’ve put things, don’t worry, take a deep breath, and you’ll find it. Forgetting a person’s or people’s names is normal. Occasionally calling someone by another’s name is also normal as is suddenly forgetting what you just said or were about to say. Trouble recalling recent conversations and details of conversations are also not a cause for worry. Occasionally forgetting appointments or forgetting why you entered a room is natural since our minds are always

 filled with several thoughts at any one time. Don’t be alarmed and know that everyone around you also faces the same frustrating problem. What’s not normal Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are tragic conditions and there’s no remedy. But identifying early warning signs can help make life easier and prepare family members for the inevitable. Frequently or regularly getting lost in familiar places and having trouble performing tasks that are habitual or which have been performed many times before is not normal. This may include paying bills, forgetting how to dress – tying show laces, a tie etc –, and forgetting how to wash up – brushing teeth, flossing etc. These are indicators that you or someone you

 know may be displaying signs of dementia or Alzheimer’s. Having difficult carrying conversations, repeating words and phrases in the same conversation, forgetting who the person you’re speaking with is and jumbling or garbling words are signs. Behaving out-of-character like throwing tantrums in public places or socially inappropriate settings can also be signs. Causes of reversible memory loss Not all causes of memory loss are age-related or even normal. Some can be attributed to external factors, the ceasing of which can reverse the anomaly. Certain medication can tamper with memory functions as can vitamin B12 deficiency which boosts brain function. Depression is another cause because it prevents you from concentrating properly and getting thoughts organized. Alcohol abuse and drug abuse can also muddle brain activity. Dehydration, especially in difficult situations, not only impacts the body but the mind as well. The old rule of drinking 6 to 8 glasses of clean water every day still

 applies because the body and the brain need water to function. Thyroid problems have also been known to affect memory function as abnormal metabolism rate can cause confusion, sluggishness and even depression. There are countless treatments for memory loss you can seek as well as capable doctors who’ve dealt with all manner of memory problems. Brain exercises, a healthy lifestyle and plenty of physical activity can slow age-related mental conditions so get cracking on those tough crosswords, get good physical workouts, and follow a healthy diet. Acupuncture treatments benefit the improvement of physical health conditions and instill a feeling of increased mental clarity.