We have all forgotten a name, where we put our keys, or if we locked the front door. It’s normal to forget things once in a while. However, forgetting how to make change, use the telephone, or find your way home may be signs of a more serious memory problem.
Understanding Memory Loss
What is Mild Forgetfulness
Spending time with friends and family may help keep your memory sharp.It is true that some of us get more forgetful as we age. It may take longer to learn new things, remember familiar names and words, or find our glasses. These are usually signs of mild forgetfulness, not serious memory problems. If you’re worried about your forgetfulness, see your doctor. You also can do many things to help keep your memory sharp. Finding a hobby, spending time with friends, eating well, and exercising may help you stay alert and clear-headed.
What is Serious Memory Problem
Getting lost in a place you know well may be a sign of a serious memory problem.Serious memory problems affect your ability to carry out everyday life activities such as driving a car, shopping, or handling money. Signs of serious memory problems may include:
• Asking the same questions over and over again.
• Becoming lost in places you know well.
• Not being able to follow directions.
• Getting very confused about time, people, and places.
• Not taking care of yourself – eating poorly, not bathing, or being unsafe.
Causes of Serious Memory Problems
There are several causes of serious memory loss. They include:
Medical conditions
Certain medical conditions can cause serious memory problems. These problems should go away once you get treatment. Here’s a list of things that cause memory problems:
- Bad reaction to certain medicines
- Depression
- Not having enough fluids in your body, also called dehydration
- Not eating enough healthy foods, or too few vitamins and minerals in your body
- Minor head injuries
How to Cope With Serious Memory Problems
These are some question that might come to you if you are worried over your memory.
What should I do if I’m worried about my memory?
See your doctor. If your doctor thinks it’s serious, you may need to have a complete checkup, including blood and urine tests. You also may need to take tests that check your memory, problem solving, counting, and language skills. In addition, you may need a CAT scan of the brain. These pictures can show normal and problem areas in the brain. Once the doctor finds out what is causing your memory problems, ask about what is the best treatment for you.
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