Notes

Memory Loss and Old Age Disease
Memory lapses can be scary, especially when they seem to come more often or are more serious. However, mild forgetfulness is a normal part of aging and not always cause for concern.

A health care provider can conduct a general physical exam, blood tests and brain imaging to determine the cause of your problems. They may also suggest lifestyle changes that can help.
Forgetting Things

Some degree of forgetfulness, and a modest decline in other thinking skills, is a normal part of aging. For example, it might be common to occasionally misplace your keys or need to make lists to remember appointments and tasks.

These memory lapses affect your short-term memory, which stores information about recent events and activities. If you or a loved one are worried that your memory is getting worse, talk to a doctor to assess whether it's cause for concern.

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and do a physical exam to rule out any medical causes. They might also order blood tests or an MRI to see what's affecting your memory and thinking abilities. If they find a cause, you can take steps to treat it.
Difficulty Making Decisions

Small and occasional moments of forgetfulness shouldn’t cause people to worry, but if they become frequent or are accompanied by other symptoms such as anxiety or depression, it’s worth talking with their health care provider. The doctor can run tests to make sure there isn’t an underlying medical condition that could be causing the problem.

It’s also a good idea to see a doctor if a loved one is making poor judgment decisions or has difficulty following instructions for everyday tasks, such as using the microwave or paying bills. This can be a sign of Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia and needs to be addressed right away. Your doctor can help you find the best treatment option. He or she can also offer tips on how to slow the progression of memory loss.
Losing Track of Time

Some memory lapses and modest decline in thinking skills are typical with age. But it's important to distinguish between normal changes and those related to Alzheimer's disease, Lewy body dementia or other diseases. Some memory problems are caused by treatable conditions, such as high blood pressure or vitamin deficiencies.

Often, people experiencing memory problems can get help and support from family and friends. Staying socially active, eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly can help keep the brain sharp.

It's also important for families to recognize the difference between a typical memory change and a sign of a disease. Having the right conversations early can make a big difference in a person's quality of life and even their safety. It can also help them avoid difficult choices or circumstances in the future.
Difficulty Following Directions

If your loved one has trouble following directions, they may be having problems with their short-term memory. This problem can also cause them to forget things they have learned. It is important for them to see a doctor about this issue.

It can be scary to notice changes in the way your loved one remembers. You should get them to a doctor as soon as possible so that they can be evaluated and treated for dementia or other diseases that can affect their memory and thinking abilities.

A doctor can treat reversible causes of memory loss, such as depression, vitamin deficiencies and thyroid disease. They can also prescribe medicine that will slow the progression of Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative dementias. It is also important for a doctor to review a patient’s medications because many drugs can cause memory problems.
Forgetting the Names of People

Many older people experience occasional memory lapses. They may forget where they left their keys or the remote control, and they may make mistakes when balancing a checkbook or when using a computer. Alarms for elderly Australia Those who notice these changes should talk to their health care provider right away.

A doctor can help determine whether the lapses are the early signs of dementia or simply the normal cognitive changes that come with age. A physical exam and a review of the person’s medical history will be needed.

Some medications can cause memory problems as a side effect. These include sleeping pills, antihistamines, blood pressure and arthritis medication, muscle relaxants, drugs to manage urinary incontinence and gastrointestinal discomfort, and some antidepressant and antianxiety meds. These medications should be avoided or stopped when possible.
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