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We all forget things. But as we age many people begin to notice they have increasing difficulty in remembering information, or it takes a longer period of time to learn new information. Mild forms of forgetfulness such as losing one’s glasses or keys are mild forms of forgetfulness and generally do not indicate serious memory problems.
Misconceptions about dementia
We all fear the possibility that as we grow older we will experience more debilitating problems such as losing the capacity of our memory and other cognitive skills. Often, mild signs of forgetfulness are perceived as the onset of dementia, a term that is often misused and misunderstood. Dementia is used to describe a group of symptoms that affect the brain. Dementia is not a specific disease; rather it is used to describe a condition of one’s cognitive functioning. Individuals with dementia may not be able to think well enough to do normal activities, such as getting dressed or eating. They may lose their ability to solve problems or control their emotions. Their personalities may change.
They may become agitated or see things that are not there. And while memory loss is a common symptom of dementia, the loss of memory, by itself, does not mean an individual has dementia. People with dementia have serious problems with two or more brain functions, such as memory and language.
Dementia can be caused by a variety of other diseases
Many different conditions can cause dementia and are treatable such as underactive thyroid, vitamin B 12 deficiency, heavy metal poisoning, side effects of medicines or drug interactions, some brain tumors, some cases of chronic alcoholism, depression and anxiety, and HIV/AIDS. Other causes of dementia are generally not treatable.
These include Huntington’s disease, vascular dementia that is a result of high blood pressure or hardening of the arteries, brain injuries from impact sports or accidents, some cases of MS, and certain infections such as mad cow disease, and later stage syphilis. Prescription drugs for treatment of Alzheimer’s and some other progressive dementias are now available.
While these drugs will not reverse existing brain damage, they can slow the progress of the disease thus allowing some increase in the quality of one’s life and potentially delaying care by a residential facility. Many people with dementia, particularly those in the early stages, may benefit from practicing tasks designed to improve performance in specific aspects of cognitive functioning.
For example, people can sometimes be taught to use memory aids, such as mnemonics, computerized recall devices, or note taking.
How to reduce age-related changes in memory
- Engage in hobbies or tasks that keep your mind engaged and active. Make your brain engage itself!
- Engage in physical activities. Research shows better brain functioning and the possible delay of Alzheimer’s with routine exercise. Exercise can all reduce the effects that depression and anxiety of on one’s memory.
- Limit alcohol use. While there is some evidence that moderate use of alcohol can have positive health effects, heavy use can effect one’s cognitive functioning.More information on dementia can be found at the following:
The National Institute on Aging: http://www.nia.nih.gov/
MedicineNet.com: http://www.medicinenet.com/dementia/article.htm
Randy Ryder is a Professor Emeritus at The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and is a publisher of Elder Parent Help.