MEMORY LOSS

MEMORY LOSS

DEFINITION:  memory loss is also known as amnesia.  it is  an unusual  forgetfulness.  You may be able to remember new events, recall one or more memories  of the past.

  Memory loss may be for a short  time and then resolve or may not. it all depends on the cause.  it can get worse over time. memory loss happens to all ages.

causes of memory loss.

others than the  normal  memory  loss  that  comes with aging,  other  include.

1 hypothyroidism.
2 poor sleeping pattern among the elderly  can cause significant  memory loss.
3 sleep  apnea a treatable  sleeping disorder.
4 silent stroke.
5 medication .  like sleeping  pills, anti anxiety drugs , certain  pain killer. etc.
6 nutritional deficiency ,  lack of vitamin b12.
7 stress ,  anxiety and depression.

less common causes of memory loss .
8 are severe  infection  around the  brain  and neurosyphilis.

9 head injury,  mild brain injury.

10 tumors affect the process of  information.

11 alcoholism,  substance abuse , drugs abuse.  study published  in neurology shows that men who drank heavily show signs of  mental  decline one to 6 years early than the lighter drinkers.

12 posttraumatic stress disorder.

13 stroke

14 mild cognitive impairment.  is a medical  illness.  with this people have  abnormal memory for their age and education.  they have a harder time learning  new information  or recalling things.

signs and symptoms of memory  loss.

signs and symptoms depend  on the causes.  it can be  partial or complete. it can also come on suddenly  or slowly.  these are  some of the  s/s

1 poor concentration.
2 confusion.
3 medication reactions  like  vomiting , stomach upsets  weakness, , dizziness. etc.
4 depression, hopelessness, anxiety.
5 difficulty in speaking , personality  changes.
6 intoxication, euphoria, slowed reaction time, dizziness numbness.
7 sleep apnea : people with apnea sleep  and restart breathing.

8 difficulty in handling day to day affairs

9 lack of vitamin b12 include fatigue, pale skin, weaknesses

10 insulin reaction hypoglycemia result to low blood sugar  causing  tear less. clammy skin and irritatability.

      treatment of  memory loss .

memory loss  that persists,  is severe,  or that interferes with  daily life need  a medical. diagnosis. for others causes , such alzheimer 's  disease,  there is no cure.
the goal is to treat  symptoms and provide safety and comfort.

to help prevent memory loss.

1 keep  the brain  active.  read , do puzzles  etc.

2 eat balanced diet.  take vitamin  and minerals  as advised by your doctor.

3 get regular exercises.

4 protect your head from injury.

follow stroke prevention tips.

5 don't smoke  or use illegal  drugs.  limit alcohol.

6 manage stress.

7 get regular eye exams. get your hearing checked.  if needed, wear eye glasses and or a hearing aid.

things to remember for memory loss. client.

1 follow a routine daily and weekly activities.

2 listen carefully. link newly learned things to the past memories.

3 repeat what you want  to  remember out loud.  if necessary,  write it down.

4 keep track of important things to do,  phone numbers etc . use a calendar,  planner etc.

5 set up a system to remind you of daily medications to take ,bills to pay , appointment  to keep.

6 put your keys , eyeglasses, etc in the  same place.

thanks.