Signs Of Memory Loss

Memory loss can be challenging to pinpoint because it usually happens gradually. So, if you’re around someone all of the time, you can easily miss some early signs of memory loss. On the other hand, if someone sees someone every few months, it can be easier to notice the beginning stages of memory loss.

For example, if you have a grandpa that you only get to see twice a year, it’s more likely that you’ll notice the difference in cognitive decline from one visit to the next. At A Cognitive Connection, our team is here to help you understand your behaviors and learn different ways to improve your cognitive skills. While some memory loss is a normal part of aging, it’s essential to monitor your cognitive abilities so that you’re aware of when your memory abilities become abnormal.

As professionals, we understand how important it is to integrate different cognitive exercises into your daily life to help fight memory loss. Plus, if you begin to suffer from memory loss, regularly completing brain exercises can help improve your memory. 

What Causes Memory Loss?

When individuals suffer from memory loss, they may have difficulty remembering new information, recalling old information, or both. Depending on the severity and type of memory loss, it may last for a short time and then go away or be permanent and become more severe as time goes on. 

It’s normal for older adults to struggle with memory occasionally. Still, if you repeatedly struggle with forgetfulness and have difficulty with daily tasks, you may be in the early stages of a memory disorder. If you’re struggling with memory loss, see a doctor immediately because early diagnosis of brain disorders is crucial and can help prevent permanent brain damage. 

Many parts of the brain are involved in helping our memory. So, when our brain is damaged, we suffer memory loss. Often, memory loss is the result of a brain injury, which can be caused by:

1. Brain Tumor
2. Cancer Treatment
3. Concussion
4. Head Trauma
5. Prolonged Period Of No Breathing
6. Severe Brain Infection
7. Brain Surgery
8. Serious Illness
9. Stroke
10. Hydrocephalus
11. Multiple Sclerosis
12. Dementia

Various mental health conditions can also cause memory loss. These conditions include:

1. Bipolar Disorder
2. Depression
3. Schizophrenia

Various circumstances can also cause memory loss, such as:

1. Alcohol Or Illegal Drugs
2. Epilepsy
3. Parkinson Disease
4. Insufficient Vitamin Intake

If you or a family member suffers from severe memory loss, it could signify dementia. People living with dementia have a hard time with thought, communication, judgment, and behavior. Types of dementia with memory loss as a common side effect include:

1. Alzheimer Disease
2. Lewy Body Dementia
3. Fronto-Temporal Dementia
4. Progressive Supranuclear Palsy
5. Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus
6. Mad Cow Disease

Types Of Memory Loss

It can be difficult for doctors to diagnose memory disorders. There are many reasons why someone may develop a memory disorder, and it can vary from mild to severe. A doctor will examine you, run tests, and monitor your cognitive abilities. Some common types of memory disorders include:

1. Dementia
   • Dementia is one of the most common memory disorders that affect people. Trauma, stroke, drugs, and even infections can cause dementia. The results of living with dementia include struggling to complete simple tasks and difficulty communicating. Dementia can affect both the language part of your brain and the behavior part of your brain.
2. Vascular Dementia
   • Vascular dementia is a type of dementia caused by strokes and head injuries. Severe head injuries cause decreased blood flow, resulting in long-term memory problems. As a result, those with vascular dementia struggle to make plans and understand simple concepts. 
3. Lewy Body Dementia
   • The development of abnormal proteins called Lewy bodies causes this type of dementia. These proteins minimize the amount of memory space a person has and causes brain functions to decline. 
4. Alzheimer’s Disease
   • Individuals living with Alzheimer’s struggle to carry out simple daily activities. Genetics play a significant role in this disease, and those with a genetic predisposition are more likely to form Alzheimer’s. 
5. Mild Cognitive Impairment
   • Mild cognitive impairment refers to any cognitive impairment somewhere between normal and severe. Mild cognitive impairment is known to lead to difficulties in memory association. 

Signs Of Dementia

Suppose you’ve noticed that your mom has a hard time telling stories or has difficulty remembering the names of people she’s just met. In that case, you may be worried that these behaviors are signs of dementia, Alzheimer’s, or another disease affecting the brain. While it’s common to be stressed and forget things that usually come easy to you, patterns of forgetfulness can be a sign of a more severe problem. 

Some signs of dementia and severe memory loss include:

1. Problems With Memory
2. Difficulty With Language And Communication
3. Trouble Paying Attention And Focusing
4. Faulty Visual Perception
5. Poor Reasoning And Judgement

If you are concerned that you or your loved one has dementia or another severe brain disease, it’s crucial to discuss your concerns with a medical professional. Remember to bring someone along to the appointment. This way, the doctor can hear about someone’s cognitive abilities from another point of view. 

How To Help Someone With Memory Loss

People with dementia or other memory loss conditions require a strong support system and a comprehensive care plan. However, you can help a loved one who has severe memory loss by doing small things, such as:

1. Surround the individual with familiar objects, such as pictures or favorite songs.
2. Keep a journal of when the individual should take certain medications and how much they should take. A medicine journal will help keep everything organized and ensure your loved one takes all of the correct medicine. 
3. Offer a patient environment and let the person know that you will move at their pace and help them remember things slowly. 

Learn The Warning Signs Of Memory Loss With A Cognitive Connection

Struggling with your memory or watching a loved one deal with a brain disorder is frustrating, emotional, and overwhelming. At A Cognitive Connection, we understand the complexities of memory and integrate proven methods to fight memory loss. We can also introduce different therapies to improve memory if you’ve been diagnosed with a brain disorder. Contact our knowledgeable team today to learn more about the signs of memory loss and different ways to improve memory.