We’ve all experienced not being able to remember something – the name of a movie we just saw, the date we first met our future spouse, or what time to take our medications.
People of all ages experience memory loss at times. And lapses in memory may become more frequent as we age. But being unable to recall the name of your neighbor when you meet her on your way to work in the morning doesn’t necessarily mean you’re developing Alzheimer’s disease.
If you are experiencing memory issues, the first thing to do is see your doctor. A complete medical evaluation may uncover an underlying cause for the symptoms you’re having – a cause that may be treatable. Treatable causes include:
Anxiety/stress – A study from the University of Iowa revealed that having high levels of cortisol – the hormone released when a person is under stress – can lead to memory lapses as we age. You can reduce the stress in your life through meditation, exercise, eating well and getting enough sleep.
A poor diet – Malnutrition can create symptoms of mental confusion, uncertainty and slowness. Research has shown that the Mediterranean diet helps improve cognitive function, including memory and recall. Vitamin B-12 – which helps with normal nerve function – is an important nutrient in maintaining good brain health. Vitamin D is also an important nutrient for memory and many older adults have a Vitamin D deficiency. A simple blood test can reveal if you need more Vitamin D in your diet.
Drug side effects and interactions – Many drugs, on their own, may have a side effect of memory loss. This includes many innocuous medications taken by millions of Americans, such as Ambien, Lunesta, Xanax and Valium. To make matters worse, seniors are much more likely to be taking multiple medications – the average 75-year-old takes more than 10 prescription drugs – increasing the risk for side effects. Overmedication is a cause for many misdiagnoses, including dementia. Tell your doctor what medications you’re taking and ask if this could be a cause of your memory loss.
Infections can also cause temporary memory loss. One of the most common among seniors is urinary tract infection (UTI). Some other symptoms of UTI include a change in behavior, confusion, a decreased appetite and depression. Once treatment is started, many patients see improvement in these symptoms within a few days.
Depression – Depression and dementia share many symptoms, such as forgetfulness and the inability to focus. The good news is that symptoms are often much improved with counseling, medication and lifestyle changes.
Thyroid disease – When the thyroid gland produces too little or too much thyroid hormone, memory loss and confusion may result. A simple blood test can reveal a thyroid disorder. Most types of thyroid disease are easily treatable.
Dehydration – As we grow older, our brain tells us we are thirsty and sends out a weaker signal, so seniors may drink less water than is needed for good health. Dehydration symptoms, including disorientation and lethargy, can be similar to those of dementia. If you are on a fluid-restricted diet, talk to your doctor about how to get the fluids you need.
Memory loss is not a “natural part of growing older.” Geriatricians now recognize that dementia is part of a disease process. So if you’re experiencing symptoms, the first step is to rule out other, treatable conditions. An AMR care manager can perform a comprehensive assessment to help understand what may be the cause of a loved one’s memory loss.
