Memory loss implies an inability to
recall events or information that one should otherwise be able to. Some degree of memory
problems, as well as a modest decline in other thinking skills, is a fairly
common part of aging. Some memory problems are the result of treatable
conditions.
With a general physical exam, your doctor will likely conduct question-and-answer tests to judge your memory and other thinking skills. They may also order blood tests and brain-imaging tests that can help identify reversible causes of memory problems.
You might be referred to a specialist in diagnosing memory disorders such as a neurologist, psychiatrist, psychologist ,or geriatrician. Below is a list of signs to the possibility of having memory issues that may need medical attention:
1. Confusion
Not being able to concentrate on
a particular thing or getting confused all the time can be an early sign of
memory loss. Due to confusion, a person can even get lost in his own
neighborhood in which they have been living in for a long time. It can even
become difficult to remember the day of the week. People just lose track of the
season and the passage of time.
2. Difficulty
carrying out familiar tasks Even
performing day-to-day tasks become extremely difficult for people experiencing
memory loss. A subtle change in the ability to carry out all familiar tasks
indicates the onset of memory loss. One can notice great difficulty in managing
complex tasks such as maintaining the checkbooks or competing in games which
have a lot of rules. What’s typical? Occasionally the person suffering from
memory loss can have difficulty in setting a microwave or recording their
favorite movie.
3. Difficulty
with simple math problems In
early stages of memory loss, a person can have difficulty in solving simple
math problems. They can face hardships in keeping track of checkbooks or
calculating a simple addition or subtraction problem. People can have problem
in handling monthly bills or remembering a recipe. There can be concentration issues
due to which it might take them longer to solve easy things. Not just math,
memory loss sufferers can have troubles related to their vision, like judging
colors or distance.
4.
Forgetfulness A person tends to become forgetful of little things even
after being reminded of it over and again. It is okay for a person to sometimes
become forgetful of the details of certain conversations. Early onset of memory
loss makes a person extremely forgetful so much that the person forgets the
entire conversation that happened just a few minutes ago.
Short-term memory is affected initially like the person has
difficulty remembering crucial dates or events. They tend to ask for the same
facts and events over and over again. In fact some people even have difficulty
recognizing the faces of their loved ones.
5. Hygiene
problems Body odors can be one of the
biggest signals that your family member is losing the capability to take good
care of them. With memory loss issues, a person forgets to give importance to
their personal hygiene.
Look for changes in appearance of your loved
ones to find clues of memory loss. Unwashed clothes or putting clothes inside
out can be a subtle hint of the condition. So if your grandfather usually
clean-shaven forgets removing stubble may be suffering from memory loss issues.
6. Language
(or speaking problems) Remembering
the right words at the right time can seem like an arduous task for most of the
memory loss patients. They tend to forget simple words like cat, watch, book,
etc. Or, they may substitute easy words with unusual words which no one would
have heard of. Use of such unusual words can make speech of memory loss
patients, difficult to understand. So if a person is not able to find his
toothbrush, he may call it ‘the thing I put in mouth’. Memory loss has a
trouble with the vocabulary.
7. Misplacing
things You would notice people with
memory issues keeping their belongings in unusual places which they can’t
retrace later on. For example, a person may keep an iron in the fridge or their
lipstick in a sugar bowl. And when they are not able to locate their
belongings, they may accuse others of stealing.
8.
Mood swings Someone with memory
loss can show extreme mood swings ( from patience to anxiety to tears) for any
useless reason. Changes in personality tend to make a once confident person
fearful, shy, and depressed. For no apparent reason, they can become depressed
or suspicious. It may also happen that memory loss makes a person upset all the
time. They can become conscious and feel extremely conscious when out of their
comfort zone. Due to their unpredictable behavior, such people prefer to stay
isolated.
9. Poor
judgment In early stages of memory loss, a
person can experience changes in their judgment skills as well as decision
making. A person who somehow made poor judgment may not always be a case of
memory loss. However, memory loss could surely be the reason if a person makes
wrong decision even after weighing all the options. People with memory loss
problems dress up for a sunny day like it’s winter outside.
10. Withdrawal
from social activities A
person in early stages of memory loss will generally start to withdraw himself
from social activities. They may start backing out from sports they used to
play, social events they used to attend, or hobbies they once loved. Such
people prefer sleeping lot more and sitting for longer in front of television
than going out and meeting new people. They tend to feel weary of social
obligations
“I suffer from short term memory loss. It runs in my family... At least
I think it does... Where are they?” (Dory, Finding Nemo)[i]
[i] Sources used:
·
10 Signs of Memory Loss” by Health Team
·
“Memory loss: When to
Seek Help” by Mayo Clinic
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