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  #1  
Old 10-14-2010, 12:21 PM
robT robT is offline
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Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 350
Default Memory loss with ageing.

There is a constant question about ,memory Loss With Ageing and that is what's normal and what is a cause for concern.

First we need to understand a bit about how the brain stores information.
Information is stored in different parts of your memory. Information stored in recent memory may include what you ate for breakfast this morning. Information stored in the short-term memory may include the name of a person you met moments ago. Information stored in the remote or long-term memory includes things that you stored in your memory years ago, such as memories of childhood.

So now how does ageing change the brain? In fact from the time that you are in your 20's, you begin to lose brain cells a few at a time. Your body also starts to make less of the chemicals your brain cells need to work. The older you are, the more these changes can affect your memory.

Ageing may affect memory by changing the way the brain stores information and by making it harder to recall stored information.

Your short-term and remote memories aren't usually affected by ageing. But your recent memory may be affected. For example, you may forget names of people you've met today or where you set your keys. These are normal changes.
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Old 10-18-2010, 08:50 AM
Peggy9 Peggy9 is offline
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When my granddad had this kind of memory loss he followed some rules to help him remember things like these which really helped him:

Keep lists.
Follow a routine.
Make associations (connect things in your mind), such as using landmarks to help you find places.
Keep a detailed calendar.
Put important items, such as your keys, in the same place every time.
Repeat names when you meet new people.
Do things that keep your mind and body busy.
Run through the ABC's in your head to help you think of words you're having trouble remembering. "Hearing" the first letter of a word may jog your memory.
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Then there is the situation where the person, like granddad knows a word but can't recall it? We were told that this is usually just a glitch in the memory. He would almost always remember the word with time. and that this might become more common with age. It can be very frustrating, but it's not usually serious.
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  #3  
Old 10-20-2010, 08:10 AM
Saffy Saffy is offline
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Many things other than ageing alone can give rise to memory problems. These can include depression, and severe problems with memory and thinking, such as Alzheimer's disease. Sometimes the side effects of drugs, strokes, head injury and alcoholism can cause memory problems.
Of course everyone fears Alzheimer's disease and that particular disease starts by changing the recent memory. At first, a person with Alzheimer's disease will remember even small details of his or her distant past but not be able to remember recent events or conversations. Over time, however, the disease affects all parts of the memory.
So then a common question is How can I tell if my memory problems are serious? Well I have been told that a memory problem is serious when it affects daily living. If you sometimes forget names, you're probably okay.
But you may have a more serious problem if you have trouble remembering how to do things you've done many times before, getting to a place you've been to often, or doing things that requires steps like following a recipe.
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Old 10-22-2010, 08:18 AM
Peggy9 Peggy9 is offline
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Another difference between normal memory problems and dementia is that normal memory loss doesn't get much worse over time. Dementia gets much worse over several months to several years.

One thing that is very true is that it is often hard to figure out on your own if you have a serious problem. But it is always wise to talk to your family doctor about any concerns you have. If your memory problems are caused by a certain medicine you're taking, your doctor will be able to identify that and can prescribe another medicine that doesn't have this side effect. If another condition is causing your memory loss (such as depression), your doctor can help you treat the condition.

Some memory loss is to be expected as we age but these are things that are not usually apart of that process and should raise a warning flag if they occur.

Being much for forgetful than you used to be

Forgetting how to do things you've done lots of times before

Having trouble learning new things

Using the same phrases or telling the same stories in the same conversation

If you have trouble making choices or handling money or not being able to keep track of what happens each day


If any of this rings a bell, then you should go and see your doctor.
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Old 12-03-2010, 09:51 AM
jackanderson jackanderson is offline
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Default Memory loss with ageing.

Hi I would also like to share some point on Memory loss with ageing .
There are several factors cause aging brains to experience changes in the ability to retain and retrieve memories:The hippocampus is especially vulnerable to age-related deterioration, and that can affect how well you retain information. There’s a relative loss of neurons with age, which can affect the activity of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters and their receptors.An older person often experiences decreased blood flow to the brain and processes nutrients that enhance brain activity less efficiently than a younger person.
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