|
|
|
Forgetting to Remember |
|
Can’t remember where you put your
keys? Have no idea why you walked into the kitchen? Forgot the
name of your new colleague? Slight memory lapses like these can
happen to anyone as the brain stores, organizes and sorts
through enormous amounts of information. But sometimes
forgetfulness is more than just inconvenient. Sometimes, it’s a
reminder that a more serious health issue could be at hand.
“Normal memory loss caused by aging does not interrupt a
person’s day-to-day life,” explains
Patrick Nolan, M.D., Ph.D., a
board certified neurologist at The Austin Diagnostic Clinic.
“People with abnormal memory loss may find that they’re having
trouble doing everyday things like turning on the stove or
taking a shower. People close to them begin to notice
something’s wrong.”
|
 |
Most people assume that memory
loss is caused by dementia, the most common form being
Alzheimer’s disease. But don’t forget that medications, alcohol
use, stress, depression, infections, sleep deprivation and
nutritional deficiencies could also be the culprit.
“Doctors can help evaluate memory loss through medical
examinations, such as imaging tests, and rule out more serious
possibilities,” explains Dr. Nolan. “For example, an imaging
scan can show if a tumor is present in the brain or if a stroke
occurred, both of which could cause memory loss.”
But don’t rush to make an appointment with a neurologist if you
or a loved one can’t remember your online password for a Web
site that’s rarely used or where those extra roles of toilet
paper are stored. There are more serious signs of memory loss to
look out for, including:
• asking the same question
repeatedly in a short span of time
• having trouble with
everyday tasks like teeth brushing, checkbook balancing or
making a sandwich
• having difficulty speaking
or choosing the wrong words for objects
• getting lost in familiar
areas
• using poor judgment, such
as dressing in a winter coat during the summer or wanting to
go for a walk in the middle of the night
• misplacing objects, such as
putting jewelry in the dryer or ice cream in the closet
• changing personality and
moods, including irritability or fearfulness for no apparent
reason
“If someone you know is
experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s critical that they be
evaluated immediately,” says Dr. Nolan. “People experiencing
memory loss can be a threat to themselves as well as others.”
How you take care of your body also affects your brain, says Dr.
Nolan. “Lowering your cholesterol and blood pressure, not
smoking or abusing alcohol, eating a healthy, well-rounded diet
regular exercise and getting enough sleep may all help reduce
your risk of memory loss.” Staying social and keeping your brain
entertained with activities like reading or learning a new skill
can also help keep your brain sharp.
“Nobody can remember everything all the time, but a good memory
is a sign of mental wellness overall,” says Dr. Nolan.
“Protecting that mental wellness is an important part of overall
good health.” |
Brain Games
People of any age can sharpen their ability to remember
information by following some simple memory tips and tricks:
• Work crossword puzzles,
play Scrabble or Bridge, or other games that make you think.
• Practice memorizing
information such as state capitals or a favorite poem.
• Write down important
information. The act of writing makes the information more
significant to your brain.
• Avoid information overload,
such as watching TV, talking on the phone and e-mailing all at
the same time. An overwhelmed mind can’t absorb anything.
• Use word association and
rhymes to remember people’s names and information, such as
“Bert was wearing a red shirt.”
• Repeat information, such as
“Your name is Jack? Well, it’s very nice to meet you Jack.”
Patrick Nolan, M.D., Ph.D., is a
board certified neurologist at The Austin Diagnostic Clinic, a
multi-specialty clinic with more than 120 physicians
representing 24 medical specialties at six locations throughout
Austin and Central Texas. Visit www.adclinic.com or call
512-901-1111.
|
|
