We have all had those moments when we can’t remember what we were going to say, or we run into someone we used to work with and can’t recall their names. It’s normal. But what isn’t normal? How do we differentiate between general aging brain farts and a true memory deficit?
Over 40% of people over the age of 65 experience some type of memory loss. Some decline in your memory function is normal as we age, however normal age-related loss should not affect your daily life or your ability to function independently day-to-day. Some memory problems may actually be treatable, so it’s important to figure out the difference and seek out the advice of a physician if you feel you are experiencing something out of the ordinary.
So how much memory loss is normal?
Although we all experience the occasional brain fart, most of the time they don’t disrupt our daily lives or our ability to live independently. Forgetting a doctor’s appointment or one of the things on your grocery list occur all too often, especially when we are stressed or busy, so having those moments should not be cause for too much alarm. You may also occasionally forget a person’s name, but then recall it later on in the day or misplace your glasses for a few hours and then recall where you left them. Again, a normal part of aging. These changes in your memory are generally manageable, albeit annoying, but still allow you to maintain a normal, active and productive life. To help differentiate the need for when to seek the advice of a professional, here are some normal memory problems that can occur:
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Transience, or the tendency to forget facts or events over time, can seem like mind weakness, however scientists report that this may be beneficial because it can clear mind of unused memories, making way for new ones.
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Blocking, the temporary inability to think of something, can often occur when you are trying to retrieve a memory and your brain keeps going to a similar memory, therefore “blocking” the one you are actually trying to think of.
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Persistence, or worrying about forgetting things, can result in memories that play over and over again in your head and can sometimes be tied to traumatic events which cause the thoughts to replay.
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Absentmindedness occurs when you don’t pay close enough attention and you forget details, things like forgetting to take your medicine or missing your doctor’s appointment.
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Misattribution, which occurs when you remember some of the memory, but get another detail mixed up, is often a result of having read or heard something that altered the storage of the memory and may cause memory lapses.
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Bias can affect your perceptions and experiences as they are encoded into the brain which influences the information you actually recall later and happens even with the sharpest of memories.
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Suggestibility is the vulnerability of the brain to incorporate suggestion in to the memory of an incident after the event has occurred, even though you may not have actually experienced them.
Many of these memory lapses are commonly occurring, and can be attributed to the general aging process and is not necessarily a reason for concern. The use of simple strategies, making lists or using a calendar can alleviate troubles associated with these types of memory deficits.
So what memory deficits are NOT normal?
Dementia is a general term used to describe the impairments in memory, reasoning, judgment, and other language skills, and can worsen over time. The prevalence of dementia can affect a person’s ability to work, maintain relationships and gauge social interactions. If memory problems begin to affect your ability to live independently or become persistent or extreme, then it is time to make an appointment with your doctor. Some of the signs and symptoms that may indicate that there is a more serious problem include:
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Substituting or mixing up words, such as saying “fork” instead of “brush”
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Forgetting names of common objects
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Asking same question repeatedly
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Taking longer to complete familiar tasks, such as following a recipe
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Excessive hesitations or difficulty finding words while speaking
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Misplacing items, such as keys or wallets, such as leaving in a drawer or closet
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Getting lost while walking or driving when in familiar area
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Mood or behavior changes with no apparent reason
If you or your loved one are experiencing any of these symptoms, or you have general concerns about your memory, then seek a medical professional immediately. Your doctor will likely utilize tests to determine the degree of memory impairment which can assist with diagnosing the cause. In addition to a general physical exam, your doctor may conduct question-and-answer tests to judge your memory and other thinking skills. He or she may also order blood tests and brain-imaging tests that can help identify reversible causes of memory problems and dementia-like symptoms. You might also be referred to a specialist in diagnosing dementia or memory disorders, such as a neurologist, psychiatrist, psychologist or geriatrician. Getting prompt diagnosis can assist with identifying whether condition is reversible, and finding appropriate treatment. If you or your loved one is given a dementia diagnosis, then conversations and decisions related to the future of care need to be discussed to help maximize quality of life and deal with legal matters.
What are some strategies will help with memory loss?
The following is a list of some suggestions which can help with facilitating memory recall and keeping your brain in tip top shape.
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Organize information using calendars, lists, day planners, etc.
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Make associations to assist with recall
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Keep a consistent routine
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Repeat information (ex., say names in your head 3-5 times when you meet new person)
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Place items in the same spot (ex., keys in a bowl next to the door)
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Run through the alphabet to help remember a word
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Involve your senses (use objects or pictures if you are visual learner)
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Exercise regularly
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Get sufficient rest
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Keep your brain active by teaching, telling stories to playing memory games
Although everyone experiences memory problems at some point in their life, we shouldn’t expect that just because we are aging means we are going to lose our memory. Stay healthy, be mindful and keep active to give yourself the optimal opportunity to stay living a vibrant, independent life. Seek help immediately if you feel like there may be a more serious problem.
If you suspect you or your loved one has dementia, click links for more details on early signs and symptoms, at-home dementia testing and benefits of early diagnosis. We also provide you with a list of questions to ask your doctor and some valuable dementia resources, should you or your loved one receive a dementia diagnosis.
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