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A number of conditions — not only Alzheimer's disease — can cause memory loss in older adults. Getting a prompt diagnosis and appropriate care is important. By Mayo Clinic StaffEveryone forgets things at times. Perhaps you misplace your car keys or forget the name of a person you just met. Some degree of memory problems, as well as a modest decline in other thinking skills, is a fairly common part of aging. There's a difference, however, between normal changes in memory and memory loss associated with Alzheimer's disease and related disorders. And some memory problems are the result of treatable conditions. If you're having memory problems, talk to your health care provider to get a diagnosis and appropriate care. Memory loss and agingNormal age-related memory loss doesn't cause a significant disruption in your daily life. For example, you might occasionally forget a person's name, but recall it later in the day. You might misplace your glasses sometimes. Or maybe you need to make lists more often than in the past to remember appointments or tasks. These changes in memory are generally manageable and don't affect your ability to work, live independently or maintain a social life. Memory loss and dementiaThe word "dementia" is an umbrella term used to describe a set of symptoms, including impairment in memory, reasoning, judgment, language and other thinking skills. Dementia usually begins gradually, worsens over time and impairs a person's abilities in work, social interactions and relationships. Often, memory loss that disrupts your life is one of the first or more-recognizable signs of dementia. Other early signs might include:
Diseases that cause progressive damage to the brain — and consequently result in dementia — include:
The disease process (pathology) of each of these conditions is different. Memory loss isn't always the first sign, and the type of memory problems varies. Mild cognitive impairmentThis involves a notable decline in at least one area of thinking skills, such as memory, that's greater than the changes of aging and less than those of dementia. Having mild cognitive impairment doesn't prevent you from performing everyday tasks and being socially engaged. Researchers and physicians are still learning about mild cognitive impairment. For many people, the condition eventually progresses to dementia due to Alzheimer's disease or another disorder causing dementia. For people with normal age-related memory loss, symptoms usually don’t progress much, and they don't develop the spectrum of symptoms associated with dementia. Reversible causes of memory lossMany medical problems can cause memory loss or other dementia-like symptoms. Most of these conditions can be treated. Your doctor can screen you for conditions that cause reversible memory impairment. Possible causes of reversible memory loss include:
When to see your doctorIf you're concerned about memory loss, see your doctor. There are tests to determine the degree of memory impairment and diagnose the cause. Your doctor is likely to ask you questions. It's good to have a family member or friend along to answer some questions based on observations. Questions might include:
In addition to a general physical exam, your doctor will likely conduct question-and-answer tests to judge your memory and other thinking skills. He or she may also order blood tests, brain-imaging scans and other tests that can help identify reversible causes of memory problems and dementia-like symptoms. You might be referred to a specialist in diagnosing dementia or memory disorders, such as a neurologist, psychiatrist, psychologist or geriatrician. The importance of a diagnosisComing to terms with memory loss and the possible onset of dementia can be difficult. Some people try to hide memory problems, and some family members or friends compensate for a person's loss of memory, sometimes without being aware of how much they've adapted to the impairment. Getting a prompt diagnosis is important, even if it's challenging. Identifying a reversible cause of memory impairment enables you to get appropriate treatment. Also, an early diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer's disease or a related disorder is beneficial because you can:
Your doctor can help you identify community resources and organizations, such as the Alzheimer's Association, to help you cope with memory loss and other dementia symptoms. Sign up for free, and stay up to
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. Which of the following is true regarding memory loss in middleWhich of the following is true regarding memory loss in middle-aged people? b. Middle-aged people may attribute absent-mindedness to aging, even though they have actually been absentminded most of their lives.
Which memory skill shows a decline in middle age quizlet?Which of the following memory skills show decline for some people in middle age? 8-210. Short-term memory is also referred to as working memory.
Which statement offers the best explanation of why some middleWhich of the following is the best explanation why some middle-age people have some long-term memory loss? Middle-aged people have less efficient retrieval skills for finding and retrieving information, even if the information was adequately stored in long-term memory.
What causes poor longThese causes of long-term memory loss include: drug and alcohol misuse. serious brain injuries, such as concussions. severe brain infections.
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