Tag Archive for memory loss

Know Your Normal vs. Abnormal Memory Changes

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 

Memory stickAs 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
 
Stick figure hears about memoryOverheard: “Memory is the treasury and guardian of all things”
                              ~Cicero
 
 
 
 
 
memory disclaimer

7 Ways to Differentiate Memory Changes as You Age

Memory is a sometimes a touchy subject. The degree to which it bothers you may be a tipoff that something’s wrong.
 
Today we’ll look at how forgetfulness can be an annoyance or a sign of something more serious.
 

ARTICLE:

 
memory reminderAs 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.
 
Some of these changes in memory can be due to lack of attention. For example, if you’re a working parent you may be on overwhelm.
 
 
 
You’re trying to remember who needs to go where and when. This is considered a normal memory problem.
 
There are biological reasons for memory loss, too. Over the years the brain changes.
 
 
memory helperThe 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.
 
 
 
 
There are differences in normal and abnormal cognitive and biological changes. Abnormal changes can be the effects of dementia or Alzheimer’s.
 
Here are some ways to tell 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 might forget them.
 
A less important event might mean more chance of forgetting the details. This isn’t unusual.
 
The memories that you call upon more often tend to stay front of mind. Bottom line: if you don’t use those memories, you lose them.
 
Abnormal forgetfulness is the inability to recall recent events. Things like what you ate for breakfast or who visited you that day.
 
2. Stressful events –
 
If you’re trying to remember events from a time of stress 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 –
 
If you tell your kids the same story over a couple of weeks it’s called simple forgetfulness. But if you tell them the same story during a short visit it may be more serious.
 
4. Date –
 
You might forget exact dates, but you have a general idea of the time of the month. This is common.
 
You would likely have the presence of mind to, say, check a newspaper for your answer. It’s a different story if you don’t even know what year it is.
 
5. Self-care abilities –
 
You may experience some forgetfulness now and then. But you still remember to wash and dress yourself.
 
You eat at your usual times. You go to the grocery store.
 
And you take your medications. You may need to use a pill box as a personal reminder but your memory is likely still within range for your age.
 
It’s a different story if you don’t remember how to do these tasks or even that they need to get done.
 
6. Familiarity –
 
Sometimes you get lost in unfamiliar locations, such as when you’re visiting a new area of your city. Usually not a big deal.
 
It’s another matter when you get lost in your neighborhood. Or if you don’t remember your own family members.
 
7. Frustration levels –
 
Talking about forgetfulness is not likely a trigger for anger. But a memory problem can cause angry outbursts to someone faced with questions.
 
They don’t want to be tested about dates, places, and more. They may even accuse you of stealing something that they lost and cannot locate.
 
JohnK 7-19-2018
 
 
 
 
Image for memoryOverheard: “As you get older three things happen. The first is your memory goes, and I can’t remember the other two.”
                                  ~ British comedian Sir Norman Wisdom