Memory change, or memory loss, is
partial or complete loss of memory caused by a physical or psychological
condition. Memory loss can be temporary or permanent. Memory loss ranges from
temporarily forgetting a simple fact to not knowing your own name. A variety of
different factors cause memory changes. It is important to know the underlying
cause of memory loss so that the proper treatment can be given.
Many people experience a mild form of
memory change as they age. Signs of typical age-related memory change include:
·
forgetting to pay a monthly bill
·
forgetting what day of the week it
is, but then remembering it later
·
losing things from time to time
·
sometimes forgetting which word to
use
The causes of more serious memory
change are divided into reversible and permanent causes. Reversible causes are
temporary conditions that either resolve on their own or can be cured with the
proper treatment.
Possible reversible causes of memory
loss include:
·
Medications: One or more medications you are taking may cause you to develop memory
changes.
·
Minor Head Trauma: Injuries to the head, even if you remain conscious, can result in
memory problems.
·
Alcoholism: Consistent and long-term alcohol abuse may significantly impair
memory.
·
Vitamin B-12 Deficiency: Vitamin B-12 helps maintain healthy nerve cells. A deficiency in
vitamin B-12 may lead to memory loss.
·
Depression and Other Psychological
Disorders: Depression, stress, and other
mental health problems are linked with confusion, concentration lapses, and
forgetfulness.
·
Tumours: Though rare, brain tumours can cause memory loss.
·
Hypothyroidism: Your thyroid produces a hormone that is essential for energy
metabolism. If your body is unable to produce enough thyroid hormone, you may
develop memory changes.
Irreversible causes of memory loss
are often linked to dementia. According to the World Health Organization (WHO),
dementia is a combination of deficiencies affecting memory, thinking,
calculation, learning capacity, judgement, language, and emotional status.
When memory changes begin to
interfere with daily activities, contact a doctor. Prompt diagnosis can lead to
a treatment regimen that may help limit or control memory loss.
During the appointment, the doctor
will ask the patient a number of questions a family member or another caregiver
should be present in case the patient is unable to answer some of the
questions.
The doctor may ask:
·
When did you start experiencing
memory changes or memory loss?
·
What medications are you taking?
·
Have you recently started taking a
new medication?
·
What have you done to cope with the
memory problems?
·
Do you drink alcohol?
·
Have you recently been sick?
·
Are you depressed, or are you
experiencing unusual levels of stress?
·
Have you injured your head?
·
What is your daily routine? Has that
routine changed recently?
Answers to these questions, along
with a physical exam and some other tests, will help your physician identify
the cause of your memory changes.
Without treatment, memory changes can
decrease a person’s quality of life. Difficulty communicating, anger, and
depression are common side effects. Memory loss may prevent people from eating
at the right times, which can lead to malnutrition, and from properly taking
care of their health. Patients who do not receive treatment for severe dementia
are at a high risk for accidental death.
Treatment for memory changes depends
on the underlying cause. If the memory changes are slight, trying new things
that challenge the mind may help. Puzzles, learning a new language, or reading
more may help reverse some normal age-related memory changes. Remember that
severe memory loss is not a normal consequence of aging.
For reversible memory loss, doctors
will attempt to treat the underlying condition. Once treated, patients usually
recover from their memory changes.
Permanent memory loss is treated with
medications and psychotherapy.
