Aging And Memory Loss

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Have you ever walked into a room and forgot why you went in there? How about the fridge, forget what you are looking for? Many experts believe some memory loss is a natural part of aging. However, forgetting how to drive home is different from forgetting where you put your car keys. How do we know when we should be concerned?

With aging comes side effects like memory loss. It may take longer to learn something new and you may forget key things like birthdays or paying bills every now and then. Forgetting here and there is normal when aging, however when it becomes a serious issue we need to find out more from professionals.

A significant difference in age-related memory loss and serious memory impairment is age-related memory loss does not affect the ability to do daily activities. Serious memory disorders and diseases make everyday activities difficult. For example, forgetting how to get to familiar places, asking the same questions multiple times, and confusing close relatives or friends.

If you are concerned about your cognitive health, speak with a professional about your symptoms. Here are some of the most common memory impairments.

Dementia
Dementia is characterized by behavior, thinking, and social symptoms that negatively impact daily activities. They are a group of conditions characterized by impairment of at least two brain functions. Dementia most commonly affects memory, but it can also impact social skills, judgment, and attention span.
Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s Disease is the most common form of Dementia. It is a progressive disease that worsens over time. Early stages of this disease include memory loss but as it progresses, it becomes difficult to carry conversations and react to the environment around them. Symptoms can include forgetting where you place items and not finding them, forgetting significant events or deadlines often, and making poor decisions.
Mild Cognitive Impairment
Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is a less intense condition of memory loss. It can be a warning sign of dementia or Alzheimer’s but it does not always lead to them. This condition includes memory impairment more than age-related memory loss. It is a mild form that affects daily activities.