Tag Archives: memory loss

Straight, No Chaser: Questions About Memory Loss and Forgetfulness

General Health and Wellness, Geriatrics/Elderly Care, Mental Health, Neurology, , , , , , ,

memory puzzle

Are you the type that has a bad memory? Is your memory good when you “want it to be?” Do you just have problems paying attention? Are you concerned about elderly family members suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s disease? This Straight, No Chaser may have some answers to your common questions. Feel free to ask any others you may have.
Am I forgetful, absent-minded or do I have a serious memory problem?
You tell me. It’s not memory loss if you never paid attention to begin with (there’s a joke about husbands and sporting events in here somewhere). It’s certainly the case that the more you focus on remembering whatever it is, the more likely it is that you will.
Ok then, what’s the difference between normal forgetfulness and serious memory loss?
To understand this distinction, think about functionality. We all forget things. It is a clear concern when the things being forgotten involve items needed for activities of daily living (your name, your address, your birthday, etc.).
Why do we forget? 
This is a very complicated question and the cause is often multifactorial, include one or several of aging, medical and emotional considerations.

memory-loss alcohol

So what about health-related causes of memory loss?
If this refers to non-aging causes, there are several. There a phenomenon called state-dependent learning that’s pretty fascinating. For example, if you learn something while intoxicated, you may not remember it while sober, and you may remember it again once intoxicated again. Alcoholism itself causes conditions (e.g. Wernicke’s encephalopathy and Korsakoff’s psychosis – these aren’t esoteric; these are out there) in which memory loss is a component. Chronic alcohol use and other conditions that involve vitamin deficiencies (e.g. Vit D, Vit B12) also produce memory loss and deficiencies.
Is it true that stress can cause memory loss?
Yes, both stress and depression can cause memory loss, both emotionally and physiologically.

memoryloss ahead

Should I worry about Alzheimer’s?
No. Alzheimer’s happens whether you “worry” about it or not. What you should do is be concerned about memory loss and trying to prevent premature dementia. First, take steps to protect and build your memory. Second, if you are experiencing memory loss, discuss it with your physician. He or she will know what to do from there.
Ok, then how do I work on my memory?
An active brain is a healthy brain. Of course diet and exercise will keep all of you healthy, including your brain. There are untold numbers of memory games and problem-solving exercises you can perform to train and keep your brain sharp. Learn a new skill or dabble in a new language. In general, socializing and engaging your mind in activities is most of what you need. Alternatively, you can also protect against your bad memory (or inattentiveness). Make a habit of placing your keys, purse/wallet and other needed items in the same place, so when something’s lost, instead of remembering what you did, you can ask yourself “what was I supposed to do?” And yes, guys you can pay better attention to your wives.
Feel free to ask your SMA expert consultant any questions you may have on this topic.
Order your copy of Dr. Sterling’s new book Behind The Curtain: A Peek at Life from within the ER at jeffreysterlingbooks.com, iTunes, Amazon, Barnes and Nobles and wherever books are sold.
Thanks for liking and following Straight, No Chaser! This public service provides a sample of what http://www.SterlingMedicalAdvice.com (SMA) and 844-SMA-TALK offers. Please share our page with your friends on WordPress, like us on Facebook @ SterlingMedicalAdvice.com and follow us on Twitter at @asksterlingmd.
Copyright © 2016 · Sterling Initiatives, LLC · Powered by WordPress

Straight, No Chaser: Amnesia and Severe Memory Loss

General Health and Wellness, Geriatrics/Elderly Care, Mental Health, Neurology, , , , , ,

In a previous post, we discussed forgetfulness and mild memory loss. We’ve also discussed Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. If you noticed and remember (no pun intended), we didn’t discuss amnesia. Amnesia is unusual memory loss. Normal aging does not lead to dramatic memory loss. This is qualitatively different.
It is normal to have forgetfulness associated with the aging process. Many of us will notice learning new information requires more time and seems more difficult.

 amnesia2

This is not the memory loss of amnesia. In amnesia, you’ll likely not remember new occurrences and/or some past memories. You may forget recent or new events (or periods of time). You may forget memories within an event and compensate by creating “new memories” (this is called confabulation). You may have difficulty forming new memories or learning new information. Interestingly, amnesia may be transient, otherwise temporary or permanent.
Allow me to reiterate. Amnesia is not part of a normal aging process but is part of a disease in one or severe areas of the brain responsible for creating, storing and retrieving memories. If you see or think you are experiencing this level of symptoms, you need to get medically evaluated.

 amnesia

Courtesy of the National Institutes of Health, here is a partial list of causes of memory loss. Many of these causes have Straight, No Chaser posts related to them. If you have questions, type the topic into the search box for more information or feel free to ask your www.sterlingmedicaladvice.com or 844-SMA-TALK expert consultant any questions you may have.

  • Alcohol or use of illicit drugs
  • Not enough oxygen to the brain (heart stopped, stopped breathing, complications from anesthesia)
  • Brain growths (caused by tumors or infection)
  • Brain infections such as Lyme disease, syphilis, or HIV/AIDS
  • Brain surgery, such as surgery to treat seizure disorders
  • Cancer treatments, such as brain radiation, bone marrow transplant, or after chemotherapy
  • Certain medications
  • Certain types of seizures
  • Dementia
  • Depression, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia when symptoms have not been well controlled
  • Dissociative disorder (not being able to remember a major, traumatic event; the memory loss may be short-term or long-term)
  • Drugs such as barbiturates or benzodiazepines
  • Electroconvulsive therapy (especially if it is long-term)
  • Encephalitis of any type (infection, autoimmune disease, chemical/drug induced; this is inflammation of a certain part of the brain)
  • Epilepsy that is not well controlled with medications
  • Head trauma or injury
  • Heart bypass surgery
  • Illness that results in the loss of, or damage to, nerve cells (this is called neurodegenerative illness), such as Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, or multiple sclerosis
  • Long-term alcohol abuse
  • Migraine headache
  • Mild head injury or concussion
  • Nutritional problems (vitamin deficiencies such as low vitamin B12)
  • Permanent damage or injuries to the brain
  • Transient global amnesia
  • Transient ischemic attack (TIA)

Finally, if you are supporting an individual with such challenges at home, you already know they need a lot of attention and support. Here are a few tips to assist.

  • Show familiar objects, music, or photos.
  • Get in the habit of writing things down. Write down when the person should take any medication. Write down any important tasks needing to be completed.
  • Show patience with the situation and avoid the tendency toward anger and frustration.
  • When it gets to the point to when help is needed completing the activities of daily living, or safety or nutrition is a concern, you may want to incrementally consider home health care, then extended care facilities, such as an assisted living facility or a nursing home.

Your job is to remember to be attentive to changes in your or your loved ones’ behavior. The earlier you get assistance, the better one’s quality of life will remain.
Feel free to ask your SMA expert consultant any questions you may have on this topic.
Order your copy of Dr. Sterling’s new book Behind The Curtain: A Peek at Life from within the ER at jeffreysterlingbooks.com, iTunes, Amazon, Barnes and Nobles and wherever books are sold.
Thanks for liking and following Straight, No Chaser! This public service provides a sample of what http://www.SterlingMedicalAdvice.com (SMA) and 844-SMA-TALK offers. Please share our page with your friends on WordPress, like us on Facebook @ SterlingMedicalAdvice.com and follow us on Twitter at @asksterlingmd.
Copyright © 2016 · Sterling Initiatives, LLC · Powered by WordPress

Straight, No Chaser: Amnesia and Severe Memory Loss

General Health and Wellness, Geriatrics/Elderly Care, Mental Health, Neurology, , , , , ,

amnesia1

In a previous post, we discussed forgetfulness and mild memory loss. We’ve also discussed Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. If you noticed and remember (no pun intended), we didn’t discuss amnesia. Amnesia is unusual memory loss. Normal aging does not lead to dramatic memory loss. This is qualitatively different.
It is normal to have forgetfulness associated with the aging process. Many of us will notice learning new information requires more time and seems more difficult.

 amnesia2

This is not the memory loss of amnesia. In amnesia, you’ll likely not remember new occurrences and/or some past memories. You may forget recent or new events (or periods of time). You may forget memories within an event and compensate by creating “new memories” (this is called confabulation). You may have difficulty forming new memories or learning new information. Interestingly, amnesia may be transient, otherwise temporary or permanent.
Allow me to reiterate. Amnesia is not part of a normal aging process but is part of a disease in one or severe areas of the brain responsible for creating, storing and retrieving memories. If you see or think you are experiencing this level of symptoms, you need to get medically evaluated.

 amnesia

Courtesy of the National Institutes of Health, here is a partial list of causes of memory loss. Many of these causes have Straight, No Chaser posts related to them. If you have questions, type the topic into the search box for more information or feel free to ask your www.sterlingmedicaladvice.com or 844-SMA-TALK expert consultant any questions you may have.

  • Alcohol or use of illicit drugs
  • Not enough oxygen to the brain (heart stopped, stopped breathing, complications from anesthesia)
  • Brain growths (caused by tumors or infection)
  • Brain infections such as Lyme disease, syphilis, or HIV/AIDS
  • Brain surgery, such as surgery to treat seizure disorders
  • Cancer treatments, such as brain radiation, bone marrow transplant, or after chemotherapy
  • Certain medications
  • Certain types of seizures
  • Dementia
  • Depression, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia when symptoms have not been well controlled
  • Dissociative disorder (not being able to remember a major, traumatic event; the memory loss may be short-term or long-term)
  • Drugs such as barbiturates or benzodiazepines
  • Electroconvulsive therapy (especially if it is long-term)
  • Encephalitis of any type (infection, autoimmune disease, chemical/drug induced; this is inflammation of a certain part of the brain)
  • Epilepsy that is not well controlled with medications
  • Head trauma or injury
  • Heart bypass surgery
  • Illness that results in the loss of, or damage to, nerve cells (this is called neurodegenerative illness), such as Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, or multiple sclerosis
  • Long-term alcohol abuse
  • Migraine headache
  • Mild head injury or concussion
  • Nutritional problems (vitamin deficiencies such as low vitamin B12)
  • Permanent damage or injuries to the brain
  • Transient global amnesia
  • Transient ischemic attack (TIA)

Finally, if you are supporting an individual with such challenges at home, you already know they need a lot of attention and support. Here are a few tips to assist.

  • Show familiar objects, music, or photos.
  • Get in the habit of writing things down. Write down when the person should take any medication. Write down any important tasks needing to be completed.
  • Show patience with the situation and avoid the tendency toward anger and frustration.
  • When it gets to the point to when help is needed completing the activities of daily living, or safety or nutrition is a concern, you may want to incrementally consider home health care, then extended care facilities, such as an assisted living facility or a nursing home.

Your job is to remember to be attentive to changes in your or your loved ones’ behavior. The earlier you get assistance, the better one’s quality of life will remain.
Thanks for liking and following Straight, No Chaser! This public service provides a sample of what http://www.SterlingMedicalAdvice.com (SMA) offers. Please share our page with your friends on WordPress. We are also on Facebook at SterlingMedicalAdvice.com and Twitter at @asksterlingmd.
Copyright © 2014 · Sterling Initiatives, LLC · Powered by WordPress

Straight, No Chaser: Questions About Memory Loss and Forgetfulness

General Health and Wellness, Neurology, Diet and Nutrition, , , , , , , , ,

memory puzzle

Are you the type that has a bad memory? Is your memory good when you “want it to be?” Do you just have problems paying attention? Are you concerned about elderly family members suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s disease? This Straight, No Chaser may have some answers to your common questions. Feel free to ask any others you may have.
Am I forgetful, absent-minded or do I have a serious memory problem?
You tell me. It’s not memory loss if you never paid attention to begin with (there’s a joke about husbands and sporting events in here somewhere). It’s certainly the case that the more you focus on remembering whatever it is, the more likely it is that you will.
Ok then, what’s the difference between normal forgetfulness and serious memory loss?
To understand this distinction, think about functionality. We all forget things. It is a clear concern when the things being forgotten involve items needed for activities of daily living (your name, your address, your birthday, etc.).
Why do we forget?
This is a very complicated question and the cause is often multifactorial, include one or several of aging, medical and emotional considerations.

memory-loss alcohol

So what about health-related causes of memory loss?
If this refers to non-aging causes, there are several. There a phenomenon called state-dependent learning that’s pretty fascinating. For example, if you learn something while intoxicated, you may not remember it while sober, and you may remember it again once intoxicated again. Alcoholism itself causes conditions (e.g. Wernicke’s encephalopathy and Korsakoff’s psychosis – these aren’t esoteric; these are out there) in which memory loss is a component. Chronic alcohol use and other conditions that involve vitamin deficiencies (e.g. Vit D, Vit B12) also produce memory loss and deficiencies.
Is it true that stress can cause memory loss?
Yes, both stress and depression can cause memory loss, both emotionally and physiologically.

memoryloss ahead

Should I worry about Alzheimer’s?
No. Alzheimer’s happens whether you “worry” about it or not. What you should do is be concerned about memory loss and trying to prevent premature dementia. First, take steps to protect and build your memory. Second, if you are experiencing memory loss, discuss it with your physician. He or she will know what to do from there.
Ok, then how do I work on my memory?
An active brain is a healthy brain. Of course diet and exercise will keep all of you healthy, including your brain. There are untold numbers of memory games and problem-solving exercises you can perform to train and keep your brain sharp. Learn a new skill or dabble in a new language. In general, socializing and engaging your mind in activities is most of what you need. Alternatively, you can also protect against your bad memory (or inattentiveness). Make a habit of placing your keys, purse/wallet and other needed items in the same place, so when something’s lost, instead of remembering what you did, you can ask yourself “what was I supposed to do?” And yes, guys you can pay better attention to your wives.
Thanks for liking and following Straight, No Chaser! This public service provides a sample of what http://www.SterlingMedicalAdvice.com (SMA) offers. Please share our page with your friends on WordPress. We are also on Facebook at SterlingMedicalAdvice.com and Twitter at @asksterlingmd.
Copyright © 2014 · Sterling Initiatives, LLC · Powered by WordPress