What are Some Causes of Memory Loss?

When family members notice that an older adult’s memory is “slipping,” they might immediately begin to worry about Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. But, the truth is, there are more than 50 different things that can cause memory problems. Although Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of irreversible memory loss, there are also things that can cause treatable and reversible memory loss. If you notice that your aging relative is having some difficulties remembering things, it may be helpful to know about other things that could be causing the problem.

Reversible Memory Loss

There are many treatable conditions that can look like dementia or Alzheimer’s but are not. Some of them are:

• Medications: As people age, their kidneys and liver don’t work as well as they used to, so medications are metabolized differently. This can cause them to build up in the body, which can lead to symptoms similar to dementia. Some medications also have memory problems as a side effect.
• Depression: People who are depressed may be forgetful, seem disoriented, and respond more slowly, which can look like dementia.
• Lack of Vitamin B-12: Vitamin B-12 is important for healthy nerve and blood cells. When a senior isn’t getting enough B-12, they may have memory troubles. 
• Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism is when the thyroid gland is underactive. This can cause forgetfulness and cognitive problems.

Irreversible Memory Loss

In addition to Alzheimer’s disease, there are several other conditions that can result in permanent memory and cognitive problems, such as:

• Vascular Dementia: A build up of plaque on artery walls, called atherosclerosis, can reduce blood flow to the brain. This can cause tissues to die. The result is a mini-stroke that may not be noticeable at the time. However, the damage can stack up and cause permanent cognitive impairment.
• Parkinson’s Disease: Up to 80 percent of people with Parkinson’s disease develop dementia.
• Huntington’s Disease: This hereditary disease can cause cognitive problems either before or after physical symptoms appear. People with Huntington’s may be especially difficult to care for because they are irritable, act irrationally, and can be aggressive.

If your older adult family member is struggling with memory loss, home care can help to keep them safe when family caregivers cannot be there. Home care providers can keep an eye on the senior so that they don’t engage in any unsafe behaviors. Home care providers can also remind the older adult to do important things, like take medications or attend a medical appointment. They can also help the senior to maintain as normal a life as possible, helping them with hobbies, errands, and outings.

Sources
https://helpguide.org/harvard/whats-causing-your-memory-loss.htm
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alzheimers-disease/in-depth/memory-loss/art-20046326?pg=2
https://www.webmd.com/brain/memory-loss#1

IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED-ONE ARE CONSIDERING IN-HOME CARE SERVICES IN LA GRANGE, IL, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT BRIGHTSTAR CARE OF LA GRANGE. CALL TODAY 708-551-2500.