Experiencing Memory Lapses? Identifying Age-Related Memory Loss and Guidance
In a series of articles produced by U.S. News & World Report in collaboration with the medical experts at Cleveland Clinic, we delve into the complex world of memory complaints in older adults.
Memory complaints become significant when they start affecting daily life, such as impacting employment, community activities, or hobbies. Changes with memory and cognitive function often accompany but aren't necessarily explained by normal aging. Memory problems that impair a person's ability to manage finances, drive in familiar areas, or take medications regularly and reliably should not be ignored or brushed off as a normal part of aging.
A common misconception is the phrase "I'm just getting older" used to explain various aches, pains, memory lapses, and mobility limitations. However, this phrase should be used with caution, as it may lead to missed treatable issues.
Memory changes should not significantly affect a person's ability to remain independent in performing basic and instrumental daily living activities. Common causes of memory complaints in older adults beyond dementia include depression and anxiety, stress, medication interactions, nutritional deficiencies, thyroid problems, infections, dietary factors, medical conditions like stroke, traumatic brain injury, or brain tumors.
Depression and anxiety can significantly affect memory by reducing brain function related to attention and recall. Stress hormones released during anxiety may impair cognitive processes. Medications and their interactions can cause memory problems and cognitive changes, especially in older adults who often use multiple drugs. Nutritional deficiencies, including low vitamin B12 or vitamin E levels, may lead to memory issues. Thyroid disorders can also impair cognitive function and memory. Infections such as HIV or neurosyphilis can cause cognitive decline mimicking dementia. Dietary quality impacts cognition. Poor diets high in ultraprocessed foods are associated with worse memory and faster cognitive decline, while diets rich in flavonoids (from leafy greens, teas, tomatoes) are protective.
If function becomes compromised because of memory problems, always bring it up with your physician. A basic workup for memory complaints includes a review of the memory or cognitive issues, associated mood, behavioral, or movement problems, cognitive testing, a screening for depression, routine blood work, and a CT scan of the brain to exclude other problems.
Cleveland Clinic, a non-profit academic medical center, emphasizes the importance of a thorough medical evaluation when memory issues occur to identify these other contributors. A recent illness or hospitalization could cause a temporary period of confusion called delirium, which typically resolves over time.
The ultimate goal is to preserve independence and to plan ahead if you need assistance. An evaluation focused on memory complaints should be performed if such signs are observed. Memory complaints are common in older adults, including delays in recalling words and names, and challenges with multitasking and learning new things.
In conclusion, memory complaints in older adults arise from a wide range of potentially reversible or manageable causes beyond dementia. Therefore, it is crucial to seek medical attention when memory issues occur to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.
- Health-and-wellness articles from U.S. News & World Report in collaboration with Cleveland Clinic delve into memory complaints in older adults, highlighting how these can impact daily life beyond normal aging.
- Mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety can significantly affect memory by reducing attention and recall, making them important aspects to consider when addressing memory complaints.
- Changes in memory and cognitive function in older adults may be caused by a variety of factors, including thyroid problems, infections, medication interactions, medical conditions like stroke, traumatic brain injury, or brain tumors.
- Proper management of memory complaints in older adults requires a thorough medical evaluation, including cognitive testing, screening for depression, routine blood work, and a CT scan of the brain, as emphasized by Cleveland Clinic.
