Memory Loss: Memory Loss
We Joke About Forgetfulness
Gretchen Heuring | ElderThink | 12.10.10
Seniors 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.
Alzheimer's Disease is probably the most feared by seniors and their families. A tremendous amount of research is going on to study this terrible disease and we have learned a lot about diagnosis and treatment. But forgetfulness can have other causes.
We know that there are other causes of age-related memory loss. Some are permanent and some are not.
Causes of Forgetfulness in Seniors
Memory Loss can be caused by several different things. Many causes of forgetfulness can be treated. Causes can include:
Medication or combinations of medications
Reclusiveness and lack of new experiences
Memory Tests
There are tests for memory. 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. We recently interviewed psychologist Dr. Balaji Nettimi, who specializes in diagnosing memory problems and difficulties, including Alzheimer's Disease. He explained that some tests need to be administered by a trained person because part of the test involves behavior while taking it.
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!
In this video, Dr. Gary Wells talks about stress and memory loss.
