Memory loss is something that most people associate with growing older; some people even view it as an inevitable part of aging. This is not necessarily true. Just like how it also isn’t always true that memory loss in older adults happens as a result of Alzheimer’s Disease. In fact, there are many different causes of memory loss with some even being reversible. Here’s more information.
What Is Alzheimer’s Disease?
To begin with, what exactly is Alzheimer’s and how is it linked to memory loss? Well, Alzheimer’s Disease is the leading cause of dementia which is a symptom that characterizes the loss of cognitive abilities. This involves memory loss but also the reduced ability to think, reason, and communicate. Other signs of later-stage Alzheimer’s can include angry outbursts, impulsive behavior, hallucinations, and even muscle twitches.
Most importantly, Alzheimer’s Disease is a progressive disease that will lead to worsening symptoms over time. As of now, there is no cure or definite cause of the disease so the only ways that we can manage the disease is to stimulate and engage the individual’s cognitive abilities or to prescribe medication that enables someone to better manage their symptoms.
Other Causes of Memory Loss
Aside from Alzheimer’s Disease, there are many other common causes of memory loss. In fact, aging does lead to completely normal lapses in memory from time to time. So long as it does not affect an individual’s overall ability to function, it is a normal sign of growing older. However, if you find that their inability to remember things is starting to affect their ability to take care of themselves, there are a number of other probable factors. These can include:
- Excessive sleep deprivation
- Concussion or head injury
- Side effects of medications or drugs
- Excessive intake of alcohol
- Certain types of seizures
- Cancer treatments
- Trauma
- Neurodegenerative illnesses like Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, or Huntington’s disease
- Mental disorders
- Vitamin B-12 deficiency
In fact, this isn’t even the full list of what can cause memory loss in an individual, and in some cases, the different factors can overlap to result in the symptoms you experience.
Next Steps
When you or your loved one is starting to suffer from memory loss, it is an experience that can bring about a lot of anxiety and stress for everyone in the family. The most important thing to do when you notice this worrying progression is to consult your primary healthcare provider for a diagnosis. Identifying the cause of your memory loss can help to also provide solutions in terms of treatment, especially if you are coping with a reversible form of memory loss. On top of this, having an answer and a clear treatment plan can make the overall experience a lot less scary than it needs to be.
If you are finding it hard to provide the necessary care for someone who is coping with memory loss, another option is to consider a memory care community. At Discovery Village At Sugarloaf, we offer a wide range of different amenities and exclusive senior living programs to ensure that our residents with memory loss are getting the support they need to maintain their cognitive abilities and capability to remember for as long as possible.
For more information on our memory care program and how we can help you and your loved one, contact us today.
