If you or a loved one is suffering from memory loss, it is important to understand the causes and the actual symptoms. We will discuss to understand what causes this condition and find ways to slow the progression of memory loss.
It is important to use a multidisciplinary approach to treat all types of memory disorders, from mild dementia to Alzheimer's disease. Specialists share their expertise in using advanced technology and research to diagnose, treat and manage these potentially debilitating diseases.
Treating memory disorders isn't just about the brain. This may involve cardiovascular care, physical medicine and rehabilitation, psychiatry and psychology to maximize and improve your quality of life.
Types of memory disorders
Memory disorders occur when damage to certain parts of the brain prevents or reduces the ability to store, retain, or recall memories. Memory disorders also affect cognitive abilities, social behavior, language, problem-solving skills, and the ability to perform simple tasks. Can range from mild to severe and progressive to rapid.
Trauma, stroke, and other conditions such as infection or drug reactions can lead to dementia and other memory problems. Dementia affects people of all ages, but is more common in older people.
Types of memory impairment:
- The most common form of dementia is caused by changes in the brain's nerves, which become tangled and lose connection with other nerves. Alzheimer's disease gets worse over time.
- Reduced or blocked blood flow damages brain tissue. It is the second most common form of dementia after Alzheimer's disease.
- When brain tissue breaks down, abnormal protein deposits called Lewy bodies form, causing the symptoms of dementia.
- A condition that affects nerve cells in the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. As the cells die, the lobules shrink.
- Mild cognitive impairment. You or your family may notice changes or decline in your memory, speech, thinking, or judgment, but it does not interfere with your normal activities.
- Mixed dementia. A combination of dementia symptoms caused by Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia.
Symptoms of memory impairment
Memory problems and dementia in Alzheimer's disease and other diseases usually occur in stages as the disease progresses. A sudden onset of symptoms may also occur.
Symptoms may include:
- Feeling confused
- Inability to communicate
- Inability to learn new things
- Language problems
- Memory loss
- Paranoia
- Repeated questions
- Problems managing money or paying bills
- The problem with reasoning
- Wandering or getting lost
Diagnosis of memory disorders
If you are experiencing symptoms of memory loss or are concerned that your memory is failing, our neurologists and nurses will complete a comprehensive assessment.
Doctors often talk to you and family members about your concerns and learn more about your lifestyle, personality, work habits, medical history, and general health.
Diagnostic tests may include:
- Neurological tests to diagnose thinking and memory problems
- Physical and neurological assessments to test for:
- Reflexes
- Muscle tone and strength
- The ability to get up from a chair and walk
- Senses of sight and hearing
- Coordination
- The ability to balance
- Lab tests to check the blood for treatable causes of memory loss, such as:
- Thyroid disorders
- Lack of vitamins
- Specialized brain research:
- to rule out causes such as stroke
- to determine how the brain has changed
- detect the amount of plaques (abnormal protein clusters) or tangles (turns in the brain's transport system) in the brain;
- Functional MRI (fMRI) images the parts of the brain that control functions such as speech or movement.
- Neuropsychological tests use specialized tasks of cognitive, language, memory, and motor skills to test specific brain structures or pathways.
Treatment of memory impairment
Treatments for memory disorders and dementia aim to prevent worsening of symptoms and improve overall function and quality of life.
Dementia caused by an infection or a reaction to a drug can often be treated. A progressive dementia like Alzheimer's can be slowed but not stopped.
Treatment often includes:
- Antibiotics. If an infection is causing memory problems, antibiotics can treat the infection
- Nutrition. Inadequate nutrition can cause memory problems. Adequate nutrition can help restore nutrients and normal cognitive skills.
- Abstinence from drugs and alcohol. Some forms of memory impairment are caused by drug and alcohol use.
- Medicines. Certain medications (cholinesterase inhibitors) can slow the decline of memory, thinking, and language skills and reduce behavioral changes, hallucinations, and delusions. These drugs are not suitable for everyone and may only work for a limited time.
- Cognitive rehabilitation. Therapies focused on improving cognitive skills for various activities and using tools and techniques such as notebooks.
- Physical activity. If you stay active, you can slow the progression of your symptoms and stay healthy. You can exercise on your own or with a physical therapist.
- Social interaction. Spending quality time with loved ones and friends can improve mood, reduce feelings of isolation, and boost overall health.
- A safe, comfortable environment. Living in a familiar, safe and reassuring environment reduces the risk of injury and feelings of anxiety.
As we mentioned earlier, it is very important to ensure the amount of quality nutrients for the organism. Specialists recommend supplementing the organism only with high-quality supplements - For memory and concentration.
Help
It is always best to consult a professional so that you can find out exactly what the underlying causes are causing the symptoms of memory impairment.
Of course, the methods listed above can certainly be applied and you will likely discover what lifestyle changes you make lead to improved memory and lifestyle.
It's important
A proper lifestyle is a guarantee of health.
If you are not sure which vitamins or other supplements the most appropriate at the moment, take the test "Your Day" and find out personal recommendation!
