Memory Loss

Memory Changes By Alzheimers Disease

Memory loss starts by changing the recent memory. At first, a person with Alzheimer's disease will remember even small details of his or her distant past but will not be able to remember recent events or conversations. Over time, the disease affects all parts of the memory.

Memory Loss Symptoms

Symptoms of memory problems are:

• Forgetting things much more often than you used to, things like:
  • forgetting dates and names;
  • running errands and forgetting their purpose;
• Forgetting how to do things you've done many times before, resulting in having difficulties in performing familiar tasks such as driving or baking;
• Trouble learning new things;/li>
• Repeating phrases or stories in the same conversation;
• Trouble making choices or handling money;
• Not being able to keep track of what happens each day;
• easily getting lost.

Symptoms of memory problems vary from person to person. They usually occur gradually and may vary in intensity depending on what is causing the condition.

Confusion or decreased alertness may be the first symptom of memory loss and also of a serious illness, particularly in older adults.

The most worrying symptoms are not those related to things that people forget to do. Some patients may have problems in mixing up words for objects or can have trouble understanding or taking part in a conversation.

Being unable to make a simple decision can suggest that something is not working as it should and a medical advice should be sought.

Possible Other Causes Of These Symptoms

Significant cognitive and memory problems are not symptoms of normal aging. Most people over 65 experience a level of forgetfulness that is merely inconvenient and generally involves unimportant information.

Terms like eccentric and senile can mask fears of Alzheimers memory loss, while other conditions may actually be causing mental decline.

Symptoms that resemble Alzheimers memory problems may result from:

• Central nervous system and other degenerative disorders
  head injuries, brain tumors, stroke, epilepsy, Pick’s Disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease;
• Metabolic ailments
  hypothyroidism, hypoglycemia, malnutrition, vitamin deficiencies, dehydration, kidney or liver failure;
• Substance-induced conditions
  drug interactions, medication side-effects, alcohol and drug abuse;
• Psychological factors
  dementia syndrome, depression, emotional trauma, chronic stress, psychosis, chronic sleep deprivation, delirium;
• Infections
  meningitis, encephalitis, and syphilis.

Treatment

Memory problems can't be treated unless it is caused by a reversible condition. The treatment is greatly dependent on the primary cause of the condition. When memory problems is a symptom of a more severe disease, it may be reversed as soon as the underlying condition is identified and cured.

Memory problems due to aging cannot be cured but the symptoms may be improved by following the prevention measures.

Treating mild cases of memory loss may consist of herbal medications or a change in lifestyle. The other dietary supplements along with good quality and long sleep and avoiding potential risk factors may also improve the general status of the patient.

Family support plays an important role in treating memory problems. Family members are usually encouraged to take special orientation classes on how to cope with their sick relatives and how to help them improve their condition.

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