Shelia Lewis: Smith County Extension

Many people believe that memory loss and aging go hand-in-hand and as a person gets older his or her memory begins to fail.

Not true! Whether they care to admit it, many people think that their forgetfulness is the first sign of Alzheimer's disease. However, we now know that most people remain both alert and able as they age, although it may take them longer to remember things.

A lot of people experience memory lapses. Some memory problems are serious, others are not. People who have serious changes in their memory, personality and behavior may suffer from a form of brain disease called dementia. The two most common forms of dementia are Alzheimer's disease and multi-infarct dementia. Dementia seriously affects a person's ability to carry out daily activities.

Sometimes older people have emotional problems that may cause memory loss and be mistaken for dementia. Felling sad, lonely, worried or bored may be more common for some older adults for a variety of reasons. Adapting to change may leave some people feeling confused or forgetful. Emotional problems can be eased by supportive friends and family or by professional help from a health provider or counselor.

Stress, anxiety or depression can make a person more forgetful. Forgetfulness caused by these emotions usually is temporary and goes away when the feelings fade. However, if these feelings last for a long period of time, getting help from a professional is important. Treatment may include counseling or medication, or a combination of both.

In fact, there are several conditions that may be treated or reversed which cause memory problems. Reversible conditions can be caused by a high fever, dehydration, vitamin deficiency and poor nutrition, bad reactions to medicines, problems with the thyroid gland or a minor head injury. Medical conditions like these can be serious and should be treated by a health provider as soon as possible.

People who are worried about memory problems should see their health provider. If he or she believes that the problem is serious, a thorough evaluation may be recommended. A complete medical examination for memory loss may include gathering information about medical history, including use of prescription and over the counter medicines, diet, past medical problems and general health. Because a correct diagnosis depends on recalling these details accurately, the health provider also may ask a family member for information.

Lab tests may help your health provider find any problems. There are also tests of mental abilities: memory, problem solving, counting and language. A brain scan may assist the doctor in ruling out a curable disorder. A scan also may show signs of normal age related changes in the brain. It may be necessary to have another scan at a later date to see if there have been further changes in the brain.

Many older adults, in fact, people of all ages, wonder how they may try to keep their memory sharp. Some suggestions include developing interests or hobbies and staying involved in activities that stimulate both the mind and body. Many people find it useful to plan tasks, make "things to do" lists and use notes, calendars and other memory aids. They also may remember things better by mentally connecting them to other meaningful things, such as a familiar name or song.

Exercise is important to keep your body healthy, but it is also important for your mind. The brain needs exercises and challenges so that it can remain active and keep up with your daily life. Try to challenge your brain daily to keep it active and alert. Also, remember that a healthy diet is very important to the body's function and especially to the mind. Although no special diets or nutritional supplements have been shown to specifically address memory problems, a balanced diet helps maintain overall good health.

Some physical and mental changes occur with age in healthy people. However, much pain and suffering can be avoided if older adults, their families and their health providers recognize that memory loss is not part of normal aging. You may visit the National Institute on Aging Alzheimer's Disease Education and Referral Center Web site http://www.nia.nih.gov/alzheimers.

Extension programs serve people of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability or national origin.

Shelia Lewis is a Smith County Extension agent in family and consumer sciences. She can be reached at sk-lewis@tamu.edu. This column on family and consumer education news appears in the Thursday Community section of the Tyler Morning Telegraph.

Shelia Lewis
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