Changes in Memory: Identifying Age-Related Memory Loss and Strategies for Coping
As we age, changes in memory and cognitive function are common, but they aren't always a direct result of the aging process. According to Dr. Ronan Factora of the Cleveland Clinic, a non-profit academic medical center, there are several factors that can contribute to memory complaints in older adults, beyond dementia.
One such factor is depression and anxiety. These mental health conditions can have a significant impact on memory and cognitive function, often leading to delays in recalling words and names. Other common causes include medication side effects, sleep problems like sleep apnea, vitamin deficiencies such as B12 deficiency, thyroid disorders, alcohol use, stress, and fatigue.
Memory complaints become significant when they begin to affect daily life. For instance, they may cause difficulties in remaining employed, performing work-related tasks, participating in community activities, or maintaining hobbies. If function becomes compromised because of memory problems, it's essential to bring it up with your physician.
A basic workup for memory complaints typically involves a review of memory or cognitive issues, associated mood, behavioral, or movement problems. This is followed by cognitive testing, a screening for depression, routine blood work, and a CT scan of the brain (if necessary).
It's important to note that the phrase "I'm just getting older" should be used with caution. While it's true that various aches, pains, memory lapses, and mobility limitations can occur as we age, this phrase may lead to missing treatable issues. Memory complaints should not affect one's ability to remain independent in performing basic and instrumental daily living activities.
Memory problems that impair a person's ability to manage finances, drive in familiar areas, or take medications regularly and reliably should not be ignored or brushed off as a normal part of aging. These issues can have serious consequences and require immediate attention.
Multitasking and learning new things also become more challenging as we age. However, addressing the underlying causes of memory complaints can often improve symptoms, helping individuals to maintain their independence and quality of life.
In conclusion, while dementia may be the first cause that comes to mind with memory complaints, there can be other reasons such as depression, delirium, medications, stroke, thyroid problems, vitamin deficiencies, and sleep disorders. It's crucial to seek medical evaluation if memory complaints are observed, to ensure early diagnosis and effective treatment.
- Depression and anxiety, mental health conditions commonly seen in older adults, can significantly impact memory and cognitive function, often leading to delays in recalling words and names.
- In some cases, medication side effects, sleep problems like sleep apnea, vitamin deficiencies such as B12 deficiency, thyroid disorders, alcohol use, stress, and fatigue might contribute to memory complaints in older adults.
- Memory complaints become significant when they begin to impact daily life, leading to difficulties in remaining employed, participating in community activities, or maintaining hobbies.
- Memory problems that impair a person's ability to manage finances, drive in familiar areas, or take medications regularly and reliably should not be ignored or brushed off as a normal part of aging, as these issues can have serious consequences and require immediate attention.
