Memory loss is NOT an inevitable part of the aging process

The brain is capable of producing new brain cells at any age, so significant memory loss is not an inevitable result of aging. But just as it is with muscle strength, you have to use it or lose it. Your lifestyle, health habits, and daily activities have a huge impact on the health of your brain. Whatever your age, there are many ways you can improve your cognitive skills, prevent memory loss, and protect your grey matter.

Furthermore, many mental abilities are largely unaffected by normal aging, such as:

• Your ability to do the things you’ve always done and continue to do often
• The wisdom and knowledge you’ve acquired from life experience
• Your innate common sense
• Your ability to form reasonable arguments and judgments

Normal Forgetfulness vs. Dementia

For most people, occasional lapses in memory are a normal part of the aging process, not a warning sign of serious mental deterioration or the onset of dementia.

Normal Age-related Forgetfulness

The following types of memory lapses are normal among older adults and generally are NOT considered warning signs of dementia:

• Forgetting where you left things you use regularly, such as glasses or keys.
• Forgetting names of acquaintances or blocking one memory with a similar one, such as calling a grandson by your son’s name.
• Occasionally forgetting an appointment.
• Having trouble remembering what you’ve just read, or the details of a conversation.
• Walking into a room and forgetting why you entered.
• Becoming easily distracted.
• Not quite being able to retrieve information you have “on the tip of your tongue.”

Does Your Memory Loss Affect Your Ability to Function?

The primary difference between age-related memory loss and dementia is that the former isn’t disabling. The memory lapses have little impact on your daily performance and ability to do what you want to do.

When memory loss becomes so pervasive and severe that it disrupts your work, hobbies, social activities, and family relationships, you may be experiencing the warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease, or another disorder that causes dementia, or a condition that mimics dementia.

If you or a loved one is experiencing any signs of a more serious memory problem, it’s important to see a doctor to root out the cause.  This is most often associated with poor nutritional absorption and dietary deficiencies from Completely Refined And Processed (CRAP) food. Having a proper evaluation for brain nutrition is warranted. Your Holistic Chiropractor can do this for you.

Reversible Causes of Memory Loss

It’s important to be aware of ways that your health, environment, and lifestyle may contribute to memory loss. Sometimes, even what looks like significant memory loss can be caused by treatable conditions and reversible external factors.

The Importance of a Diagnosis

Coming to terms with memory loss and the possible onset of dementia can be difficult. A person may try to hide memory problems, and family members or friends may compensate for a person's loss of memory — sometimes without being aware of how much they've adapted to the impairment.

Getting a prompt diagnosis is important, even if it's a challenging step. Identifying a reversible cause of memory impairment enables you to get appropriate treatment. Also, an early diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer's disease or a related disorder is beneficial for a number of reasons:

• Beginning treatments to manage symptoms
• Educating yourself, family and friends about the disease
• Determining future care preferences
• Identifying care facilities or at-home care options
• Settling financial or legal matters

Your doctor can help you identify appropriate community resources and organizations, such as the Alzheimer's Association, to help you cope with memory loss and other dementia symptoms.

• Side effects of medication.

Many prescribed and over-the-counter drugs or combinations of drugs can cause cognitive problems and memory loss as a side effect. This is especially common in older adults because they break down and absorb medication more slowly. Common medications that affect memory and brain function include sleeping pills, antihistamines, blood pressure and arthritis medication, antidepressants, anti-anxiety meds, and painkillers.

• Depression.

Depression can mimic the signs of memory loss, making it hard for you to concentrate, stay organized, remember things, and get stuff done. Depression is a common problem in older adults—especially if you’re less social and active than you used to be or you’ve recently experienced a number of important losses or major life changes (retirement, a serious medical diagnosis, the loss of a loved one, moving out of your home).

• Vitamin B12 deficiency. 

Vitamin B12 protects neurons and is vital to healthy brain functioning. In fact, a lack of B12 can cause permanent damage to the brain. Older people have a slower nutritional absorption rate, which can make it difficult for you to get the B12 your mind and body need. If you smoke or drink, you may be at particular risk. If you address a vitamin B12 deficiency early, you can reverse the associated memory problems. Treatment is available in the form of a monthly injection.

• Thyroid problems.

The thyroid gland controls metabolism: if your metabolism is too fast, you may feel confused, and if it’s too slow, you can feel sluggish and depressed. Thyroid problems can cause memory problems such as forgetfulness and difficulty concentrating. Medication can reverse the symptoms.

• Alcohol abuse.

Excessive alcohol intake is toxic to brain cells, and alcohol abuse leads to memory loss. Over time, alcohol abuse may also increase the risk of dementia. Because of the damaging effects of excessive drinking, experts advise limiting your daily intake to just 1-2 drinks.

• Dehydration.

Older adults are particularly susceptible to dehydration. Severe dehydration can cause confusion, drowsiness, memory loss, and other symptoms that look like dementia. It’s important to stay hydrated (aim for 10-12 glasses of water per day). Be particularly vigilant if you

• take diuretics or
• laxatives or
• suffer from diabetes,
• high blood sugar, or
• diarrhea.
• 
  

Medicines Two Choices for You

THE MEDICAL PERSPECTIVE

When to See Your Doctor

If you're concerned about memory loss, see your doctor. He or she can conduct tests to judge the degree of memory impairment and diagnose the cause.

Your doctor is likely to have a number of questions for you, and you will benefit by having a family member or friend along to answer some questions based on his or her observations. Questions may include:

• How long have you been experiencing memory problems?
• What medications — including prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs and dietary supplements — do you take regularly? What is the dosage of each?
• Have you recently started taking a new drug?
• What tasks do you find too difficult to perform or finish?
• What have you done to cope with memory problems? Have these things helped you?
• Do you drink alcohol? How much do you drink daily?
• Have you recently been in an accident, fallen or injured your head?
• Have you recently been sick?
• Have you recently felt sad, depressed or anxious?
• Have you recently experienced a major loss, change or stressful event in your life?
• What is your daily routine? How has your routine changed recently?

In addition to a general physical exam, your doctor will likely conduct relatively brief question-and-answer tests to judge your memory and other thinking skills. He or she may also order blood tests and brain-imaging tests that can help identify reversible causes of memory problems and dementia-like symptoms.

You may also be referred to a specialist in diagnosing dementia or memory disorders, such as a neurologist, psychiatrist, psychologist or geriatrician.

Medicines Two Choices for You

THE ALTERNATIVE PERSPECTIVE

Preventing Memory Loss and Cognitive Decline

The same practices that contribute to healthy aging and physical vitality also contribute to healthy memory.

Dr. Huntoon has helped quite a number of elderly people remain sharp into their 90's. The Number One thing you can do is Drink Plenty of Water. Your brain is 80 % water, therefore maintaining proper hydration will go a long way towards maintaining normal function. Also, taking specific Whole Food Supplements for normal brain function and maintenance becomes a MUST.

Work with your Holistic Chiropractor who can help you develop a plan to maintain your highest level of functional ability in both your physical and mental/emotional health. Consider any and all of what is listed next:

• Exercise regularly. 

Regular exercise boosts brain growth factors and encourages the development of new brain cells. Exercise also reduces the risk for disorders that lead to memory loss, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Exercise also makes a huge difference in managing stress and alleviating anxiety and depression—all of which leads to a healthier brain.

• Stay social. 

People who don’t have social contact with family and friends are at higher risk for memory problems than people who have strong social ties. Social interaction helps brain function in several ways: it often involves activities that challenge the mind, and it helps ward off stress and depression. So join a book club, reconnect with old friends, or visit the local senior center. Being with other people will help keep you sharp!

• Watch what you eat. 

Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables and drink green tea as these foods contain antioxidants in abundance, which can keep your brain cells from “rusting.” Foods rich in omega-3 fats (such as salmon, tuna, trout, walnuts, and flaxseed) are particularly good for your brain and memory. Eating too many calories, though, can increase your risk of developing memory loss or cognitive impairment. Also avoid saturated and trans fats, which can help your cholesterol levels and reduce your risk of stroke.

• Manage stress. 

Cortisol, the stress hormone, damages the brain over time and can lead to memory problems. But even before that happens, stress causes memory difficulties in the moment. When you’re stressed out, you’re more likely to suffer memory lapses and have trouble learning and concentrating.

• Get plenty of sleep. 

Sleep is necessary for memory consolidation, the process of forming and storing new memories so you can retrieve them later. Sleep deprivation also reduces the growth of new neurons in the hippocampus and causes problems with memory, concentration, and decision-making. It can even lead to depression—another memory killer.

• Don’t smoke. 

Smoking heightens the risk of vascular disorders that can cause stroke and constrict arteries that deliver oxygen to the brain.

WALKING: AN EASY WAY TO FIGHT MEMORY LOSS

New research indicates that walking six miles to nine miles every week can prevent brain shrinkage and memory loss. According to the American Academy of Neurology, older adults who walked between 6 and 9 miles per week had more gray matter in their brains nine years after the start of the study than people who didn't walk as much. Researchers say that those who walked the most cut their risk of developing memory loss in half.

Your Solution

Brain Exercises to Prevent Memory Loss and Boost Brainpower

When it comes to memory, it’s “use it or lose it.” Just as physical exercise can make and keep your body stronger, mental exercise can make your brain work better and lower the risk of mental decline. Try to find brain exercises that you find enjoyable. The more pleasurable an activity is to you, the more powerful its effect will be on your brain. You can make some activities more enjoyable by appealing to your senses—by playing music during the exercise, for example, or lighting a scented candle, or rewarding yourself after you’ve finished.

Here are some ideas for brain exercise, from light workouts to heavy lifting:

• Play games that involve strategy, like chess or bridge, and word games like Scrabble.
• Try crossword and other word puzzles, or number puzzles such as Sudoku.
• Read newspapers, magazines, and books that challenge you.
• Get in the habit of learning new things: games, recipes, driving routes, a musical instrument, a foreign language.
• Take a course in an unfamiliar subject that interests you. The more interested and engaged your brain, the more likely you’ll be to continue learning and the greater the benefits you’ll experience.
• Take on a project that involves design and planning, such as a new garden, a quilt, or a koi pond.

Compensating for Memory Loss

Even if you are experiencing a troublesome level of memory loss, there are many things you can do to learn new information and retain it.

Tips to Help You Remember

To Keep Track of Dates, Schedules, Tasks, Phone numbers

• Leave yourself notes or make checklists.
• Put appointments and important dates on calendars and in a day planner or electronic organizer.
• Ditto for phone numbers and other contact information.
• If you have trouble remembering how to do something, write down the steps.

To Remember Where You Put Things

• Put the things you use regularly (keys, glasses, purse, watch) in the same spot when you’re not using them.
• If you have to put something down in a different place, look at the place when you put down the object and say the location out loud.
• If necessary, write down where things are.

To Stay on Top of Times and Places

• Set an alarm clock or timer to remind you when to leave for an appointment or do something in your home.
• Use a map to help you get from one place to another.
• Enlist friends and relatives to remind you of where you need to be & what you’re supposed to do.

To Learn New Information

• Listen closely when someone talks to you.
• Repeat back the information.
• Try to talk with people in quiet places.
• Focus on one thing at a time; Screen out distractions.

Further Evaluation of Memory Function

If your memory problem needs more evaluation, your doctor may send you to a neuropsychologist, who will provide you with pencil-and-paper tests that gauge different aspects of mental ability. If those tests show abnormal results, the doctor will try to rule out causes of cognitive dysfunction based on conditions such as vascular disease, psychological problems, eating and drinking habits, and environmental factors.

A problematic showing on mental ability tests means you’ll probably go in for imaging studies of the brain, such as a CT or MRI scan, which can detect anything putting pressure on your brain, and, if that’s normal, a SPECT or PET scan, which track blood flow and metabolic activity in the brain. These are currently the most sensitive tools for revealing brain abnormalities.

If you are diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment or early Alzheimer’s disease, you may benefit from one of the medications that work by protecting acetylcholine, a brain chemical that facilitates memory and learning.