First, it is important to know that dementia cannot be diagnosed remotely or by anyone who is not a doctor. A person needs a detailed examination of the cutter for diagnosis. Sometimes, brain imaging is necessary. And, forgetting a pertinent word – or where you put your key – doesn’t mean the person is insane. There are different types of memory loss and there can be a variety of causes, such as other medical conditions, falls or even medication, including herbs, supplements and anything over the counter.
Loss of normal memory
As we age, we experience many physical and cognitive changes. Older people’s memory is often reduced. This is normal. Ever had a hard time getting any facts from the back of your “mind rollodex”? Suppose you find someone at a grocery store you haven’t seen in years. Maybe you recognize the face, but don’t remember his name until that night. As part of the expected changes with aging, this is normal.
When you have a memory problem – but it won’t interfere with your daily activities – this is called a mild cognitive impairment. Your primary care doctor can diagnose it. But sometimes it gets worse, so you should follow your doctor closely if you have a mild cognitive impairment.
- Memory
- Meditation
- Conversation
- Logic, judgment and problem solving
- Visual perception of typical age-related changes in vision
More serious issues
When memory loss interferes with daily activities, see your doctor about what to do and how to make sure you are safe at home.
There are a lot of serious memory impairments. Dementia is a slow-moving motion that lasts for months or years. Delirium is more sudden and can occur in hours or days, usually when you have an acute illness. Depression can also lead to changes in memory, especially as we get older.
Dementia and other brain questions
Alzheimer’s dementia is the most common type of dementia, followed by vascular dementia. They have similar symptoms: confusion, getting lost, forgetting close friends or family, or inability to calculate the balance of a checkbook. Certain medical conditions – thyroid disorder, syphilis – can lead to symptoms of dementia, and less common types of dementia can have a variety of symptoms. Alzheimer’s has a different set of symptoms associated with certain changes in the brain.
It is also important to keep in mind that there are two other things that can cause mental retardation and depression.
Rapid changes in delirium or mental function can occur in people with severe medical illnesses such as dementia, pneumonia or even covid-19 infection. Dementia can occur in patients in the hospital or at home. The risk for delirium increases with age or previous brain injuries; Symptoms include decreased attention and memory issues.
Depression can occur at any time, but it is common in old age. How can you tell if you are indifferent? Here’s a simple definition: When your mood stays low and you lose interest or pleasure in activities you once enjoyed.
Sometimes people have recurrent episodes of depression; Sometimes, it becomes frustrating which is no longer painful. Symptoms include anxiety, depression, low energy levels and memory problems. If you notice signs of depression in yourself or a loved one, see your doctor. If you have any thoughts of harming yourself, call 911 for help immediately.
Any of these conditions can be horrible. But even more frightening is the unrecognized or unknown dementia. You should, in memory and honestly, discuss the changes you have noted in your memory or think with a doctor. The first step is to find out what’s going on and make sure your health can be optimal.
Laurie Archbild-Pennon Is an Associate Professor of Medicine, Geriatrics at the University of Virginia.
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