Memory loss is a common concern as we age.

Unfortunately, memory loss can begin to present itself in ways that make day-to-day living difficult over the years.
However, memory loss is not always a natural part of aging, and it’s essential to be able to tell memory loss apart from memory changes resulting from normal aging.

So how can memory loss be differentiated from memory changes resulting from normal aging? Knowing the difference can make a significant difference in how you choose to live your life.

Let’s take a closer look at memory loss in older adults and how to find the right help for memory loss in Colorado.

Symptoms of Memory Loss in Older Adults

One way memory loss can be differentiated from memory changes resulting from normal aging is by understanding what memory loss looks like and where it comes from. There are several different types of memory loss, each with its own cause and set of symptoms.

Memory loss can manifest itself in:

• Difficulty with memory function, such as memory recall, memory retrieval, and memory retention

• Problems with working memory, or the ability to hold on to a small amount of information over short periods, including losing the sense of time or place while engaged in a task.

• Loss or impairment in memory function that is severe enough to interfere with daily life and activities such as job functions, relationships, and household responsibilities

• Not knowing how to go about completing a familiar task.

• Becoming lost in familiar settings such as one’s own home and neighborhood

• Losing track of dates and times (including what day it is, what time it is, what year it is)

• Being unable to recall specific words or names

• Not knowing what to do when shown how to do something new, different, or out of the ordinary.

What Causes Memory Loss in Older Adults?

In older adults, the most common memory loss is memory changes resulting from normal aging. However, memory loss can also be caused by memory diseases, disorders, medical conditions, and memory impairment.

Memory Loss Due to Age

Naturally, memory loss is a common concern as we age. Memory loss due to aging is the most common memory loss in older adults.

Memory changes generally occur gradually and can include memory impairment, memory decline, and memory loss that results from normal aging.

Memory decline typically includes a decrease in short-term memory due to memory loss, memory impairment, and memory changes resulting from normal aging.

Memory loss due to aging typically occurs gradually over time and will be noticeable in short-term memory as memory impairment first appears.

Memory Loss Due to Diseases and Disorders

A common fear when memory loss begins to present itself is memory disorders.

Memory disorders, memory diseases, and memory impairment are all severe conditions that can lead to memory loss. However, memory diseases and memory disorders are not typically seen in older adults unless the individual has an underlying condition or injury that would cause memory loss.

Memory loss disorders can include:

Alzheimer’s disease: One of the most common changes seen in Alzheimer’s disease is memory loss, making it challenging to manage daily living and household responsibilities.

Dementia: memory loss is a hallmark symptom of dementia that results in memory impairment, memory decline, and memory disorder. On top of memory loss, dementia can also have other significant symptoms that affect one’s quality of life, such as:

• Memory impairment and decline

• Disinterest in normal daily activities

• Getting lost during routine trips

• Feelings of disorientation.

Memory Loss Due to Medical Conditions

Medical conditions can also cause memory loss. Memory changes due to medical conditions are most notable for the individual who has never experienced memory changes until recently – and often suddenly.

Strokes can result in memory loss. Memory impairment is one of the top symptoms experienced by stroke survivors. 

Other memory changes that may occur following a stroke include memory loss resulting from physical impairment and memory loss due to memory disease.

How To Tell the Difference Between Memory Loss Caused by Aging and Memory Loss Due to a Medical Condition

Luckily, memory loss due to aging is easier to distinguish from memory loss caused by memory disorders.

Memory loss due to aging is gradual and may include memory impairment, memory decline, and memory changes resulting from normal aging. In contrast, memory loss caused by a medical condition can be sudden and often result in other additional symptoms that are not typically seen with age-related memory loss.

Establishing this distinction can help you obtain the necessary treatment for memory loss related to medical conditions, whether through medication or other treatment methods.

However, in cases of memory disorders such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, some helpful tools can help individuals identify changes in memory, such as:

1. Keeping a journal: A great way to keep track of memory loss is by keeping a journal documenting the memory changes experienced. This is most helpful when tracking the severity of memory loss and differentiating between memory loss due to aging and memory loss due to a condition such as Alzheimer’s disease.

2. Tracking memory changes: By charting how often an individual experiences memory loss and the severity of the memory impairment, it becomes easier to tell what type of memory change is occurring.

3. Working with family: Working with family and friends of the individual experiencing memory loss will make it easier to identify what type of change is occurring. In addition, a caregiver can offer hope and healing in many age-related memory issues.

4. Seeing a doctor: If possible, it is helpful to talk to a doctor about the different types of memory loss and discuss which type you are dealing with.

It is crucial to be proactive about memory loss and seek the help of a doctor if necessary to take care of your mental health. This is because memory loss affects the quality of life and can also be a symptom of a severe condition such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

Vintage offers individual counseling to family caregivers under the National Family Caregiver Support Act. Call today at 970-468-0295 or at efisher@nwccog.org

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What is Alzheimer’s?

Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia. Dementia is a general term for memory loss and other cognitive abilities serious enough to interfere with daily life. According to the Alzheimer’s Foundation, Alzheimer’s disease accounts for 60% to 80% of dementia cases.

What causes Alzheimer’s?

Technically speaking, all memory loss is caused by brain cell death. It starts with a decline in cognitive behavior and memory loss. In 2013, 6.8 million people in the U.S. were diagnosed with dementia. Of these, 5 million had a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s.

Warning Signs?

Warning signs of Alzheimer’s vary from person to person but most generally start with memory loss; often initially confusing time and place. Other warning signs can be withdrawal from work and social activities, poor judgement, misplacing things, and trouble understanding spatial relationships.

Can you treat Alzheimer’s?

Sadly, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s. Things that make it easier to live with Alzheimer’s are:

• Effective management of any conditions occurring alongside the Alzheimer’s
• Activities and day-care programs
• Involvement of support groups and services
• Education and training

Ways to keep your brain healthy (at any age!)

General memory loss is different from Alzheimer’s. Here are some tips to keep your brain as healthy as possible:

1. Get moving aka break a sweat
2. Stop smoking
3. Read voraciously or go back to school
4. Get your blood pressure checked regularly
5. Wear a helmet
6. Eat as healthy as possible
7. Sleep 7-8 hours a night
8. Check in on your mental health
9. Make friends and stay social
10. Do a puzzle– stump your brain

Resources

• The Alzheimer’s Association offers a 24/7 Helpline that is free and confidential. Call them at 800.272.3900

• The Colorado chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association is located at: 455 N. Sherman St., #500 Denver, CO 80203 or you can call them at 303.813.1669

• You can always call Vintage at our Resource Center at (970) 468-0295 if you have any questions or would like to be connected with any resources

The Momentum | Spring 2020 | For more information go to https://www.alz.org/(source)

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