Many people worry about becoming more forgetful as they get older. Some assume that memory loss is a normal part of aging and do nothing about it. Others are afraid that memory problems are the first sign of Alzheimer’s disease or a related illness.
It is true that most people experience some problems remembering things as they get older. However, experts now know that serious memory loss and confusion are not a part of the normal aging process.
There are many conditions that can cause memory loss. Often, memory improves when the condition causing the problem is treated. Even if the diagnosis is Alzheimer’s disease or a related illness, much can be done to treat the patient and help the family.
If you or someone you care for is having memory problems, you should see the doctor right away.
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Possible Causes
of Memory Problems
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· Medication overuse/underuse
· Serious depression
· Alcohol abuse
· Poor nutrition
· Thyroid problems
· Head injury
· Tumors
· Stroke
· Heart or lung disease
· Infection
· Delirium
· High fever
· Severe dehydration
· Dementia
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What is Dementia?
Some people think the word dementia means “crazy”, but dementia is really a word used to describe a group of symptoms, such as memory loss and behavior changes, that are caused by serious problems with the way the brain works. The most common type is Alzheimer’s disease.
In addition to Alzheimer’s disease, there are other types of dementia. Some of these include vascular dementia (stroke), dementia with Lewy bodies, Pick’s disease, and more. Different types of dementia need different treatment.
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