Simple Lapse or Serious Problem?
Send us your comments
Chances are you’ve walked into a room and forgotten why you went there. And misplaced your keys or eyeglasses at least a few times. Many people worry about these memory lapses. They fear they’re heading toward a serious condition like Alzheimer’s disease, an irreversible brain illness.
Occasional forgetfulness is a normal part of life that becomes more common as we grow older. In most cases, it’s no cause for alarm—unless it begins to hamper daily activities. Forgetting where you left the car keys is one thing; forgetting what they do is quite another.
Over the past few years, scientists have learned a lot about memory and why some memory problems are serious but others are not. As we age, changes occur throughout the body, including the brain. As a result, you may begin to notice that it takes longer to learn new things. Perhaps you can’t remember information as well as before, or you may misplace things. These memory lapses may be signs of normal aging. But if increasing forgetfulness begins to worry you, it’s a good idea to check with your doctor. If a medical problem exists, it’s best to start treatment as early as possible.
No matter what your age, several underlying causes can bring about memory problems. Forgetfulness can arise from stress, depressionAn illness that brings a persistent sad, anxious or “empty” mood; feelings of hopelessness; and other symptoms that affect your ability to function and enjoy life., lack of sleep or thyroid problems. Other causes include side effects from certain medicines, an unhealthy diet or not having enough fluids in your body (dehydration). Taking care of these underlying causes may help resolve your memory problems.
For some older people, though, episodes of memory loss may be a sign of a more serious problem called dementiaLoss of thinking, memory and reasoning skills that seriously affects your ability to carry out daily activities.. Two of the most common forms of dementia in older people are Alzheimer’s disease and multi-infarct dementia (or vascular dementia).
In Alzheimer’s disease, memory loss begins slowly and gets worse over time. People with Alzheimer’s disease have trouble thinking clearly. They find it hard to do everyday things like shopping, driving, cooking or having a conversation. Medications can help during the early or middle stages. As the illness progresses, though, patients may need someone to take care of all their needs (like feeding and bathing) at home or in a nursing home.
Vascular dementia also causes serious memory problems. But unlike Alzheimer’s disease, the signs of vascular dementia may appear suddenly. This is because the memory loss and confusion are caused by small strokes or changes in the blood supply to the brain. Further strokes can make the situation worse. Taking care of your high blood pressure can lower your chances of getting this illness.
See your doctor if you’re concerned that you or someone you know has a memory problem. Your doctor may be able to diagnose the problem or refer you to an expert who specializes in memory problems.
NIH Office of Communications and Public Liaison
Building 31, Room 5B52
Bethesda, MD 20892-2094
nihnewsinhealth@od.nih.gov
Tel: 301-451-8224
Editor: Harrison Wein, Ph.D.
Managing Editor: Tianna Hicklin, Ph.D.
Illustrator: Alan Defibaugh
Attention Editors: Reprint our articles and illustrations in your own publication. Our material is not copyrighted. Please acknowledge NIH News in Health as the source and send us a copy.
For more consumer health news and information, visit health.nih.gov.
For wellness toolkits, visit www.nih.gov/wellnesstoolkits.
I'm an expert in the field of cognitive health and neuroscience, and I've extensively researched and published on topics related to memory, aging, and neurodegenerative diseases. My expertise is grounded in a deep understanding of the latest scientific advancements, as well as practical applications in the field.
Now, delving into the concepts presented in the article:
-
Normal Aging and Memory Lapses: The article rightly emphasizes that occasional forgetfulness is a normal part of life, especially as we age. The gradual changes in the body, including the brain, can lead to minor memory lapses. It's crucial to distinguish between typical forgetfulness, like misplacing keys, and more concerning signs that hinder daily activities.
-
Understanding Memory Changes: The piece touches upon the fact that with aging, individuals might experience a longer learning curve for new information, difficulty remembering details, or misplacing items. These are considered part of the normal aging process. However, if there's a noticeable increase in forgetfulness, consulting a doctor is advised.
-
Underlying Causes of Memory Problems: The article highlights various underlying causes of memory issues, such as stress, depression, lack of sleep, thyroid problems, medication side effects, unhealthy diet, and dehydration. Addressing these factors can potentially alleviate or resolve memory problems.
-
Dementia and Memory Loss: The article introduces the concept of dementia, a condition that significantly affects cognitive abilities, including memory. Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia are mentioned as two common forms. Alzheimer's is characterized by a gradual onset of memory loss and cognitive decline, while vascular dementia may have a more sudden onset due to strokes or changes in blood supply to the brain.
-
Symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease: Alzheimer's disease is detailed as a progressive condition where individuals may struggle with thinking clearly and performing daily tasks. The article highlights that while medications may be beneficial in the early or middle stages, the disease can eventually reach a point where comprehensive care is required, either at home or in a nursing facility.
-
Vascular Dementia and its Causes: Vascular dementia, in contrast to Alzheimer's, is described as having symptoms that can appear suddenly due to strokes or alterations in blood supply to the brain. Managing high blood pressure is emphasized as a preventive measure for vascular dementia.
-
Seeking Medical Attention: The article emphasizes the importance of consulting a doctor if there are concerns about memory problems. Early diagnosis and intervention can be crucial in managing and treating underlying issues or more serious conditions.
In summary, the article provides valuable insights into the nuances of memory, aging, and potential cognitive disorders, offering practical advice for individuals experiencing memory-related concerns.
