A certain amount of forgetfulness is to be expected with age. You may wonder what is “normal” forgetfulness that increases with age, and serious dementia that is ultimately disabling.
Known clinically as age-associated memory impairment (AAMI) some memory lapses are normal to most human beings as they age. When sick, tired, distracted, or under STRESS the memory is affected more seriously.
Under better circumstances (which means less stress / or at least stress that is managed better) the same person who was troubled by memory problems, is usually able to remember the necessary information with much more ease.
Studies have shown that older people who do poor on timed tests actually do just as well, possibly better than their college age counterparts when permitted to work at their own rate.
Even people in their late forties can show memory problems because of out of control stress manifesting in their lives. It happens to a large number of people and is not that out of the ordinary.
If you are worried about memory loss, the probability of a serious condition should be less disconcerting, as people with serious memory loss tend to really be unaware of their lapses.
If, however, your memory lapses interfere with normal daily functioning, or if family and friends think the lapses may be serious, there may be reason to check further into the problem.
Any memory loss can be frustrating and socially embarrassing. While there is no way to eliminate completely the minor memory lapses that occur with age-associated memory impairment, a number of strategies can improve overall memory ability at any time.
The following is a Johns Hopkins report on forgetfulness verses dementia. It is worth a read and will help those of you who are concerned and would like to have the most current information from a very respected authority on the subject.
“Everyday Forgetfulness vs. Dementia”
“As people age, many become concerned with “senior moments,” that is, brief lapses in memory, such as forgetting a name or where you placed your keys. Such moments of forgetfulness may increase with age, a condition called age-associated memory impairment. But these deficits are often part of the aging process and do not necessarily indicate that a person has a more serious disease. The chart below can help you better distinguish everyday forgetfulness from the type of deficits characteristic of dementia.
Typical Age-Related Lapses
Independence in daily activities preserved
Complains of memory loss but able to provide considerable detail regarding incidents of forgetfulness
Person is more concerned about alleged forgetfulness than are close family members
Recent memory for important events, affairs, and conversations not impaired
Occasional difficulty finding words
Does not get lost in familiar territory; may have to pause momentarily to remember his or her way
Able to operate common appliances even if unwilling to learn how to operate new devices
Maintains prior level of interpersonal social skills
Normal performance on mental status examinations, taking education and culture into account
Symptoms Indicating Dementia
Person becomes dependent on others for daily living activities.
May complain of memory problems only if specifically asked. May be unable to recall instances where others noticed memory loss.
Close family members are much more concerned about incidents of memory loss than person.
Notable decline in memory for recent events and ability to converse.
Frequent pauses and substitutions while trying to find words.
Gets lost in familiar territory while walking or driving; may take hours to return home.
Becomes unable to operate common appliances; unable to learn to operate even simple appliances.
Exhibits loss of interest in social activities; exhibits socially inappropriate behaviors.
Abnormal performance on mental status examination not accounted for by education or cultural factors. “
Here are a few suggestions to help you to remember, and lessen your concern and stress regarding memory:
1. Stay mentally active.
2. Stay physically active.
3. Check with your family physician if you or someone you love seems fall into categories listed above. Some medical conditions, vitamin deficiencies, depression and STRESS can cause memory problems to manifest, and sometimes the problems are reversible.
4. Drop the cigarette habit! Smokers besmear the quality of oxygen received and actually can cause a mental decline. Smoking impairs mental function and damages blood vessels. It also limits nutrients to the brain, and the brain needs fifty percent more oxygen to think optimally than the rest of the body.
5.Limit the alcohol. Heavy alcohol consumption can hamper proper memory function, and cause mental decline.
6. Take notes- keep track of your list of things to do. Write down times to take medications with a check-list format.
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Have a wonderful day, and don’t worry about it – do something about it! (Much of this material is derived
from Johns Hopkins current information about memory and aging)
Marsha
http://www.stressmanagementmagic.com/2010/02/contest-stress-free/
