Memory Loss

Overview

When was the last time you forgot where you put your car keys or your wallet? Well, haven't we all been victims of forgetfulness? We walk out of the shopping mall and don't seem to remember which aisle we parked our car in. Such situations are perfectly normal and occur to the most of us, even on a daily basis. These episodes of memory loss are nothing to be alarmed about. However, for many people who are growing older, memory loss becomes a little more serious than a mere annoying situation.

Memory loss associated with aging is one of the most common concerns that affect people above 50 years old. However, this symptom is not just a sign of aging, but it may also be the result of certain health conditions such as depression, asthma, coronary artery disease, and COPD, which a lung disorder that decreases the amount of oxygen in the blood.

A wide range of prescribed and non-prescribed medicines can cause a decreased sense of alertness and even confusion in some people. Overuse of medicines is another leading cause for memory loss and confusion not only in older people, but young adults too. Alcohol is another culprit responsible for chronic forgetfulness. A head injury may result in a temporary or permanent memory loss. Brain tumors, seizure disorders, and sexually transmitted diseases such as syphilis also lead to memory loss. Heatstroke or hypothermia cause short-term memory loss.

Alzheimer's disease is closely associated with memory loss by most people. It is an extreme state of forgetfulness, which produces increasingly severe episodes of memory loss and confusion.

There are different types of memory loss and their reasons may also greatly vary as discussed above. Dementia is a type of memory loss that involves the learning abilities and problem solving skills. It may last from a few weeks to several months. When caused by curable health conditions, such dementia is reversible. Amnesia is another type of memory loss that is most often associated with injuries or trauma to parts of the brain.

Memory loss may often be accompanied by chest pain, fever, and a mounting sense of confusion or decreased alertness. While there is no reason for people to panic with the occasional episodes of forgetfulness, chronic and ongoing memory loss, combined with lack of problem solving skills or decision-making processes, may be a warning sign of a more critical issue. Any type of memory loss that significantly interferes with the ability to function on a daily basis indicates a serious problem.

Treatment

The support of the family members is the most critical necessity for any person who suffers from any type of memory loss. They require a lot of reassurance and patience from the people who surround them. Reality orientation is also recommended, which involves playing familiar music, surrounding the person with objects, photos etc. that would help the patient become oriented with his immediate environment. This will go a long way to help him/her recover faster. Support for relearning may also be required in some cases.

It is also recommended to maintain a written record of any medication schedules prescribed by the physician, to avoid dependence on memory. When visiting a physician to initiate the treatment for this condition, patients may be asked to undergo a variety of tests, which will help narrow down to a cause and a potential treatment.