Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease By Liz Neporent
At the supermarket, you hit the produce aisle but you forget what you came in for. You head back to the parking lot, but you blank out on where you've parked the car. Are these "senior moments" a cause for concern? According to Alexander P. Auchus, M.D., professor of neurology at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis, the average person will notice a slow-down in their memory by age 40. These episodes are likely a part of the normal aging process, but they could also be early warning signs of dementia. Auchus, also on staff at the Memphis VAMC Medical Center, sets the record straight about age-related memory issues.
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Dementia is Not a Disease
Auchus describes dementia as a cluster of symptoms defined by a significant loss of cognitive abilities caused by the death of brain cells. It is not in itself a disease. "Memory is only part of the problem," says Auchus. "A person with dementia will be impaired to the point of interfering with their ability to perform the basic daily functions like brushing teeth or getting dressed." Other warning signs include changes in personality, mood and behavior.
Dementia vs. Memory Loss
Brain mistakes are normal, especially as we get older, but if you're at the point where you can't do things for yourself -- or have a loved one in that condition -- Auchus recommends getting a thorough neurological evaluation. Your doctor or a specialist can perform simple memory tests, a detailed health history and physical, and if needed, a brain scan.
What is Alzheimers Disease?
Alzheimer's disease is a brain disorder characterized by the inability to carry out daily activities. About 4.5 million Americans are diagnosed and typically over the age of 60. Although Alzheimer's is the most common reason for dementia, its not the only one. Auchus notes that it can be triggered by a single traumatic event such as a stroke or car accident.
Are You at Risk for Alzheimers?
Memory loss has many other causes: alcohol use, sleep deprivation, medications and stress. Genetics and family history are also risk factors for Alzheimers disease. If you have concerns, or you know someone older who seems to be having trouble with basic, everyday functions, make an appointment with a neurologist.
Can Stress Make You Forgetful?
Anxiety, depression and other psychological conditions definitely make you more prone to mental errors. People who are depressed, for instance, may be unhappy and have trouble with motivation. They make cognitive mistakes because they don't put forth the effort. With anxiety, people are usually more aware of the problem but still make a lot of mental mistakes because they're overloaded and don't take the time to plan or check what they're doing.
What About Lack of Sleep?
People who don't get enough sleep may find themselves forgetting to buy the milk on the way home from work. That's because you need to spend a certain amount of time in whats called "stage four sleep," where you experience the deep, delta brain waves needed to help your brain feel refreshed and restored. Of course, as you get older there are more factors disrupting your sleep -- arthritic pains, anxiety, and the side effects of medications -- which can majorly disrupt sleep patterns.
Does Alcohol Affect Memory?
Alcohol is toxic to the nervous system, and thus abuse of this substance can lead to forgetfulness and a high frequency of mental errors. Abusing other substances, like cocaine, can cause small strokes which damage the brain and impair mental abilities including memory.
Cause of Memory Problems
A common cause of memory loss is the side effects of prescription medications. Many older people take multiple medications at once. Prescriptions taken in combination can have a profound effect on memory. Make sure your doctor is monitoring drug interactions. Disease can also affect memory. A lot of the same things that manifest as cardiovascular disease like diabetes, smoking, high cholesterol and high blood pressure are also bad for the brain. A person can have a series of small strokes that arent noticeable enough to land them in the hospital, but will still leave them off balance or feeling sick, and can definitely damage their memory.
Preventing Dementia
"What's good for the heart is also good for the brain," says Auchus. "Exercise and eating a balanced diet are important for maintaining good blood flow to the brain." It's also a good idea to learn something new and challenge your brain with things like crossword puzzles and brain teasers. Start while your brain is strong and resists disease -- prevention is easier than reversing problems you already have. If you have a family history of memory loss, be aware that you have an increased risk of developing memory problems.
Is Dementia Reversible?
Dementia is irreversible when caused by a disease or injury. However, it is possible when the cause includes drugs, alcohol, hormone or vitamin imbalances, or depression. "When it's caused by substance abuse, patients often show signs of improvement after a period of abstinence," says Auchus.
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