You have misplaced the car keys for the third time this week. You forgot the PTA meeting last night. Driving home, you suddenly remember you forgot to return a phone call and realize you missed a dentist appointment last week. All of us at some time have experienced a period of occasional "forgetfulness." Overloaded with work and responsibility, people can forget the little things. However, when it becomes more common, concern becomes real and the first question you ask yourself is: "Am I losing my mind?"
Many people believe that memory loss is the early sign of Alzheimer’s or some sort of dementia. However, some memory loss may be part of the normal aging process. Family practice physician Richard Bixby, M.D., informs his patients that forgetfulness can also be caused by other factors including stress, depression and medical conditions and medications.
A diagnosis of dementia is based on a thorough history and mental status examination, not on the basis of just forgetting things. Types of dementia include Alzheimer’s Disease, vascular dementia and other less common forms.
Pseudo dementia is a term used to describe patients who may suffer from depression rather than a neuropathologic disorder. Once their depression is treated, they usually regain normal thinking.
"Depression is often under diagnosed, especially in the elderly, and can contribute to memory loss," adds Dr. Bixby, who is affiliated with Doctors Hospital. "Also, a person who suffers from depression may have trouble sleeping and may loose or gain weight from altered eating patterns, as well as experience some memory loss due to the situation," adds Dr. Bixby.
Feeling sad, lonely, worried or bored may be more common for older people who may be facing retirement or coping with the death of a spouse, relative or friends. Sometimes adapting to changes can also leave people feeling confused or forgetful and behavioral changes can result. Dr. Bixby encourages patients to look at all factors before they become concerned about dementia, and to seek medical advice if concerns persist.
Some memory problems are more serious than others. People suffering from more serious symptoms may also experience changes in personality and behavior, which can be noticed by others. These symptoms may indicate an acute medical illness, a medication side effect, or a dementing illness.
"One needs to be concerned when they notice that their loved one is having problems with simple tasks such as word finding, recognizing things, concentration and regular daily activities," Dr. Bixby said.
Dementia describes a group of symptoms that are caused by changes in brain structure and function. Symptoms may include asking the same questions repeatedly, becoming lost in familiar places, being unable to follow directions, getting disoriented to time, people and places, and neglecting personal hygiene. Dementia is a progressive loss of cognitive function, and becomes more common as we age. Unfortunately, in most cases, it is not curable, but in many cases may be treated.
Some conditions that cause cognitive impairment may be treated including vitamin deficiency, poor nutrition, medication side effects, problems with the thyroid gland or a head injury. Recurring memory loss may be serious and should be evaluated by a doctor as soon as possible.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common irreversible cause of dementia. In Alzheimer’s disease, nerve cell changes in certain parts of the brain result in the death of a large number of cells, which causes a decline in mental function that affects memory, thinking, language and behavior. The symptoms begin slowly and gradually worsen. As the disease progresses, the symptoms range from mild forgetfulness to serious impairments in thinking, judgment and the ability to perform basic daily activities. Alzheimer’s most commonly affects people 65 and older. There is some hope of slowing the progression of the symptoms of the disease with certain medications.
"It is estimated that about 5 percent of adults over age 65 will have it (Alzheimer’s), and as many as 40 percent of adults over age 80," Dr. Bixby said. "It accounts for about half of the nursing home admissions and is a condition often feared by aging adults."
Another form of dementia is called vascular dementia and occurs when parts of the brain do not get enough blood or oxygen because of a disease that affects the blood vessels. Vascular diseases include heart disease, stroke, diabetes, hardening of the arteries and high blood pressure. They can damage a part of the brain called the cerebral cortex and this damage can cause dementia. It is probably the most second most common form of dementia. If someone is diagnosed with an irreversible form of dementia, patients can receive treatment and support groups are available for their family to learn about coping with the disease.
Malnutrition, alcoholism and vitamin deficiencies can also contribute to cognitive impairment. Nutritionists have known for some time that severe deficiencies in certain B vitamins can seriously affect cognitive abilities/mental processes and affect memory, perception, judgment and reasoning.
"Evaluate your diet and talk with a physician and/or nutritionist to see if you are getting the needed vitamins from your daily food intake. You may need to add a vitamin supplement," Dr. Bixby said.
If you or someone you know are concerned with experiencing symptoms of memory loss, Dr. Bixby encourages a visit to a physician for further evaluation