Is it Your Memory Deterioration Caused by Ageing? Identifying the Signs
Memory issues are a common concern as we age, but it's essential to distinguish between normal aging and memory problems that require medical attention. The Cleveland Clinic, a renowned non-profit academic medical center, provides valuable insights on this topic.
Normal Aging vs. Memory Problems Requiring Medical Evaluation
While occasional forgetfulness, misplacing items, or needing reminders for appointments are part of normal aging, more persistent memory problems can signal potential issues. Frequent memory loss that disrupts daily activities or work, difficulty completing familiar tasks, confusion about time, date, or place, and trouble speaking or understanding language are signs that warrant medical evaluation.
Common Causes of Memory Problems
Delirium, a temporary period of confusion caused by a recent illness or hospitalization, could be a cause of memory problems. Additionally, depression, medications, medical conditions such as stroke, thyroid problems, or vitamin deficiencies can produce memory and/or cognitive problems.
The Importance of Early Evaluation
An evaluation focused on memory complaints should be performed if such signs are observed. A healthcare professional, often a neurologist, will conduct detailed history-taking, cognitive and physical exams, and may order tests (blood work, brain imaging) to rule out treatable conditions before diagnosing dementia or neurocognitive disorder. Early evaluation is crucial for appropriate diagnosis, care planning, and potentially slowing progression.
When to Seek Medical Help
If memory problems are accompanied by worsening confusion, disorientation in familiar environments, or behavioral changes, these signs strongly suggest the need for medical assessment. Moreover, memory problems that impair a person's ability to engage in everyday routines such as managing finances, driving in familiar areas, or taking medications regularly and reliably should not be ignored.
Preserving Independence
The ultimate goal is to preserve independence and to plan ahead if you need assistance. If function becomes compromised because of memory problems, always bring it up with your physician.
This post is based on one of a series of articles produced by U.S. News & World Report in association with the medical experts at Cleveland Clinic. Remember, the statement "I'm just getting older" should be used with caution, as it may lead to overlooking treatable issues.
[1] Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Memory Loss: Causes, Symptoms, and Diagnosis. Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15675-memory-loss
[2] Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Dementia: Diagnosis and Treatment. Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15675-memory-loss/diagnosis-and-treatment
[3] Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Alzheimer's Disease: Diagnosis and Treatment. Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16746-alzheimers-disease/diagnosis-and-treatment
[4] Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Memory Loss: Tests and Diagnosis. Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15675-memory-loss/tests-and-diagnosis
[5] Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Delirium: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment. Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15525-delirium/symptoms-causes-and-treatment
- The Health-and-wellness section of the Cleveland Clinic news reports that while occasional memory lapses are part of normal aging, persistent issues like frequent memory loss, confusing time, date, or place, and trouble speaking or understanding language often indicate a need for medical evaluation.
- In the realm of Mental-Health, the Cleveland Clinic's Science department states that several conditions such as delirium, depression, medications, stroke, thyroid problems, and vitamin deficiencies can cause memory and cognitive problems, which may warrant closer examination.
- In the Finance section of their articles, the Cleveland Clinic advises that if memory problems impact a person's ability to manage finances, drive in familiar areas, or reliably take medications, these signs suggest the need for a thorough medical evaluation to avoid potential complications in the future.
