Memory and Aging - Possible Causes of Memory Decline

Possible Causes of Memory Decline

People commonly associate memory lapses in their mid-30s, 40s, or 50s as a sign of Alzheimer’s disease as they approach later adulthood, but typically this is not always the case. Memory lapses can be both aggravating and frustrating but they are due to the overwhelming amount of information that is being taken in by the brain. If there are distractions in the background while you are trying to pay bills or talk to someone on the phone you are more apt to forget because you may not be focusing your mind properly. Rather than jumping to severe conclusions, issues in memory can be linked to several common physical and psychological causes, such as: anxiety, dehydration, depression, infections, medication side effects, poor nutrition, vitamin B12 deficiency, psychological stress, substance abuse, chronic alcoholism, thyroid imbalances, and blood clots in the brain. Taking care of your body and mind with appropriate medication, doctoral check-ups, and daily mental and physical exercise can avoid unwanted memory issues.

Some memory issues are due to stress, anxiety, or depression. A traumatic life event, such as the death of a spouse, can lead to changes in lifestyle and can leave an elderly person feeling unsure of themselves, sad, and lonely. Dealing with such drastic life changes can therefore leave some people confused or forgetful. While in some cases these feelings may fade, it is important to take these emotional problems seriously. By emotionally supporting a struggling relative and seeking help from a doctor or counselor, the forgetfulness can be improved.