Many Causes Of Memory Loss
By Gretchen Heuring | 6.6.2014
We Joke About Forgetfulness
Older people worry about memory loss. There are plenty of jokes about older people forgetting things. Actually, we do forget things but there are lots of reasons. Researchers have discovered much more since I first wrote about memory loss in 2010.
Oddly enough, the most common reason for forgetfulness is thinking about too many things. Once upon a time, our lives were simple. We worried about our spouse, our children, our grandparents (sometimes) and our jobs. Now we worry about our children, their children, and their jobs. Many of us still worry about our own jobs into our seventies and eighties. We worry about our parents and our grandparents. More households, more people, more problems. Of course there are more joys too, but it's no wonder we forgot what we went to fetch from the next room.
"Dementia" is a term we use for chronic forgetfulness. Here is the definition:
Dementia is a loss of brain function that occurs with certain diseases. It affects memory, thinking, language, judgment and behavior.
The thing is, some diseases that can cause dementia can be treated. That means we could get better, or even get over the illness.
Alzheimer's Disease is probably the most feared form of Dementia. A tremendous amount of research is going on to study this terrible disease and there is much more to do. Different groups of researchers are looking at possible causes, methods for diagnosis, relief for symptoms, and recovery. There is a constant call for volunteers to help with research studies.
We've also learned new ways to care for people with Dementia. These methods can really help with quality of life for both caregivers and the person suffering from the disease.
We must keep in mind that forgetfulness can have other causes that could be remedied.
Causes of Forgetfulness
Memory Loss can be caused by several different things. Many causes of forgetfulness can be treated. Causes can include:
Memory Tests
There is a new test for Dementia available that you can take at home. Researchers at Ohio State University developed the test. Called SAGE (Self-Administered Gerocognitive Examination) the test is designed to be taken at home and then shared with your doctor.
There are other tests for memory too. Some of these tests have been taken by thousands of people so your scores can be measured against the scores of others with various memory capabilities. Some tests can be taken on line by anyone.
Improving Memory
Researchers have learned that memory can be improved. There are some interesting exercises and life-style changes that can have a significant improvement on memory. We have an in-depth explanation of how these memory improvement activies really effect the brain. We tell this story in plain language, translating scientific results into everyday terms.
One simple way to improve memory is with games and puzzles. There are games and puzzles that can be played online or downloaded to your computer and there are puzzle books and periodicals. Don't forget the puzzles in the daily newspaper!
