The older I get, the more often I experience what my patients jokingly refer to as “senior moments.” I unexpectedly run into acquaintances I have known for years, and am unable to recall their names. I go to the store to pick up five items, and come back with four. I’m in the middle of a conversation, and get stuck trying to find the word I want to say. And don’t bother asking me where I last laid down the check book!
I take some solace in having heard similar complaints from my patients over the years, and realize that this is just part of growing older. However, there is also the frightening realization that with age comes an increased risk of developing dementia. The question then is what type of age-related memory problems are considered “normal,” and what might indicate a more serious memory problem that needs medical attention?
During my years of training, I was surprised to learn that “brain power” peaks out in our early thirties. After then, at least some aspects of our thinking ability begin a long slow decline that continues throughout life. Highly practiced skills, familiar information, factual knowledge, language, and autobiographical information all endure well over the life span. Where our memory struggles as we grow older is in our ability to formulate new memories, or our “short term” recall. We are more likely to forget recent experiences, new facts, or sources of new information; we are also more likely to have difficulty remembering information when we need it. These difficulties in memory are part of the “normal” aging process. So, experiencing the following can generally be chalked up to having had another “senior moment” without much concern:
- Forgetting names
- Misplacing objects (keys, glasses, wallet)
- Forgetting where the car is parked at the mall
- Forgetting to buy things on the shopping list
- Not recognizing acquaintances in unfamiliar settings
Of course, there are other types of memory problems that can indicate a more serious problem. Even if this is the case, there is no need to panic. There are many reversible conditions that can be the culprit of memory problems. These include poor nutrition, dehydration, metabolic disturbances (such as poorly controlled diabetes), endocrine disorders (such as hypothyroidism), sleep disorders, depression, drug side effects, and other medical conditions. Even if early Alzheimer’s disease appears to be the culprit, there are new medications that can help- particularly if the disorder is detected early. Serious memory problems that should be further evaluated include:
- Getting lost while driving in familiar surroundings
- Completely forgetting appointments
- Repeating the same thing in conversation
- Periods of disorientation (not knowing the date, time, etc.)
- Difficulty managing the checkbook or paying bills
- Personality change (either sudden or gradual)
- Frequent difficulty thinking of words or the names of objects
- Experiencing a sudden change in artistic ability
- Memory problems that interfere with your normal routine
If you are experiencing any of these more serious memory problems, a thorough neuropsychological evaluation can provide detailed analysis of your memory functioning and other cognitive abilities to help you determine whether you are experiencing problems that fall outside the realm of natural aging. There are many causes of memory problems and many options available for addressing them. If you or a loved one is experiencing memory problems that seem “abnormal” for aging adults, call the Neuropsychology Clinic to schedule an appointment today.
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