Memory Loss Disorders

Memory loss disorders are common as people age, although not everyone is affected by this group of disorders. Both short-term and long-term memory may be affected, depending on the type of memory loss. While there is no cure for memory loss cures, there are several treatments and lifestyle modifications that can help people affected by or at risk for the disorders.

Symptoms

• Although memory problems increase with age, memory loss is not considered a problem until it interferes with your everyday activities. In addition to difficulty remembering, you may also experience confusion, personality changes, trouble adjusting to new places and situations, difficulty making good decisions, wandering, erratic behavior or have trouble finding the right words.

Risk Factors

• Memory loss can occur as the result of a number of diseases or disorders, including multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, head trauma, nutritional deficiencies, sleep disorders, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, stroke or brain tumors. Vascular dementia may affect people who have chronic high blood pressure or hardening of the arteries. As you age, the way your body reacts to medications changes and memory loss can be a side effect of a new medication or the combination of several medications. B12 deficiencies and thyroid problems can also cause memory loss.

Mild Cognitive Impairment

• Mild cognitive impairment is the term used to describe the period of time that occurs between normal age-related memory loss and dementia. About 25 percent of Americans over age 70 are estimated to have mild cognitive impairment. Some will develop dementia, but memory loss for others will not get any worse and may even improve in some people.

Dementia

• Dementia occurs when memory loss progresses to the point that it affects your ability to function and perform everyday tasks. If you have dementia, you may notice that you have been having trouble with your ability to learn new things. It may be difficult to remember things that happened recently. You may suddenly find it difficult to find solutions to minor problems. Dementia is a gradual process, taking months or years to become noticeable. Dementia is often caused by other diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, strokes or vascular dementia.

Alzheimer's Disease

• Alzheimer's disease occurs due to brain cell degeneration. Once the brain cells die, there is no way to regenerate them, making Alzheimer's disease difficult to treat. While memory loss is common in Alzheimer's patients, some patients may be affected more by personality and behavioral problems. As the disease progresses, patients may be unable to care for themselves. The disease is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States and affects approximately 5 million Americans, according to the Alzheimer's Association.

Amnesia

• Amnesia is a sudden memory loss that occurs due to a brain injury, brain tumor, traumatic emotional event or exposure to a toxic substance, such as carbon monoxide. Depending on the cause of amnesia, memory can return in days or weeks or may never return if there is serious damage to the brain.

Treatment and Prevention

• Treatment depends on the cause of your memory loss. If there is an underlying physical cause, often your memory will improve once the condition is treated. Cholinesterase inhibitors and the drug memantine are used to delay worsening of symptoms in Alzheimer's patients.

  There are several things you can to decrease your chances of developing a memory loss disorder. Social isolation can increase your risk of developing dementia and doctors suggest that making an effort to increase social interaction may help lower your risk. Writing, reading, playing games and even gardening keeps your brain active and stimulates brain cells. Keeping blood pressure and cholesterol levels under control can reduce your risk of developing dementia, while regular exercise helps blood flow to the brain. Avoiding smoking and drinking alcohol and eating healthy foods are also important in maintaining brain function as you age.