Your memory can fade as the years pass. And it’s important to know when that loss becomes something serious.
It’s an important subject and today GenuLines is showing you when there’s cause for concern.
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Know Your Normal vs. Abnormal Memory Changes
As you age you may notice some memory loss. Your kids remember things while you struggle at times.These changes can occur as your focus bends in so many different directions.
For example, working parents get overwhelmed remembering all the appointments for the family. A calendar works well here.
This is an example of a normal memory problem.
There are also biological reasons for forgetfulness. Changes in the brain can bring mild memory impairments.
The ability to process information and to react to it slows, as does the ability to multi-task. But a little more effort to learn and remember new things as you age is still possible.
But not all cognitive and biological changes are the same. For example, abnormal cognitive changes can occur due to conditions such as Alzheimer’s.
Here are seven ways to identify normal forgetfulness from abnormal forgetfulness:
1. The passage of time
The passing of time is often to blame for decreased memory in normal aging. If you don’t think about particular memories often you may forget them.
It’s the same with details surrounding the event. This is normal.
The more you recall the easier you’ll retain them. So if you don’t use those memories, you lose them.
But abnormal forgetfulness is when you cannot recall recent events. Things like what you ate for breakfast or who visited you that day.
2. Stressful events
If you try to recall events from a stressful time in your life it’s likely due to normal memory lapses. During times of stress, your brain has a harder time storing information.
3. Repetition
Telling your daughter the same story in two weeks is more likely due to normal forgetfulness. But telling her the same story during a visit lasting thirty minutes is not normal.
4. Date
Normal forgetfulness includes not remembering the exact date. Someone with abnormal memory will not even know what year it is.
5. Self-care abilities
A good range of memory for your age range can include remembering to wash and dress yourself. To eat. To go to the grocery store.
And to take your medications, though you may need to use a pillbox as a reminder.
Not remembering how to do these tasks or even that they need done is abnormal.
6. Familiarity
You can get lost in unfamiliar locations, such as when you’re visiting a new area of your city. What’s not normal is to get lost and not remember familiar things.
These include your own neighborhood or your family members.
7. Frustration levels
Normal forgetfulness isn’t likely to make you angry when reminded about something. Abnormal reactions to this include denial, anger, and defensiveness.
Other bad reactions can come when you test someone’s memory for dates, places, and more. They may even accuse you of stealing something that they lost and cannot locate.
JohnK 3-1-2021
Overheard: “Memory is the treasury and guardian of all things” ~Cicero
Our next scheduled guest on Chi For Yourself has lived with chronic pain since 2007.
As you age you may see that your memory is not as good as it used to be. This could affect your ability to learn and remember new things.
The ability to process information and to react to it slows, as does the ability to multi-task. You can curb the process with a little more effort to learn and remember new things.
Overheard: “As you get older three things happen. The first is your memory goes, and I can’t remember the other two.” 
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