Are you worried about your memory?

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Many people worry about their memory and believe forgetfulness may be the start of something like dementia. Older people naturally worry about this more. Unfortunately worrying about forgetfulness can make memory problems seem worse.

 

Most of us forget things sometimes. When we cannot remember things we feel we should do, our mind can go blank and this can cause us concern. Examples of this are remembering peoples’ names, finding words we want to use or what we went to look for upstairs. We all have memory lapses at times and what we were trying to remember often comes back to us later.

 

Those people who have had a relative with dementia, may worry they will develop dementia too and often look for symptoms in themselves. Most dementias are not hereditary. Even with dementias where there is a family link, the chances of getting dementia are only slightly higher than those people who do not have a family history.

 

There is no such thing as a ‘normal’ memory. Everyone is different and some of us are just not very good at remembering certain things, such as peoples’ names. Comparing your memory with that of other people is likely to make you worry more. As we get older, it is accepted that our memory is not as good as it was and we all have to work harder to remember things.

  

What causes memory problems?

 

The biggest risk associated with developing problems with your memory is age. However there are several other causes which are listed below:

 

·        Anxiety and stress

·      Lack of sleep

·      Having too much on your mind

·      Poor concentration

·      Noise and other distractions

·      Depression, low mood or unhappiness

·      Bereavement and loss

·      Side effects or other problems with prescribed medication

·      Too much alcohol

·      Drug use

·      Vitamin deficiency and thyroid problems

·      Menopause

·       Infections which cause confusion

·      Conditions like subjective cognitive impairment (SCI) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). These are memory problems but without other signs and symptoms that would suggest a diagnosis of dementia.

·      Long term conditions such as Fibromyalgia (fibrofog)

·      A Stroke

·      Dementia

 

What should I do if I am worried about my memory?

 

Many of the conditions above can be reversible with help from your GP. The important thing is not to keep worries to yourself. Discuss them with your friends and family and visit your GP if you are still worried. Below is a list of questions to ask yourself, which might help you to decide to go and see your GP:

 

·      Has your memory changed significantly and rapidly for what is normal for you?

·      Has your memory deteriorated over a period of time; sometimes years but is very noticeable to you?

·      Are your memory problems causing you difficulties with your life, such as burning pans, forgetting appointments, difficulty in managing money and bills?

·      Are you noticing other problems, such as difficulty following conversations, finding the right words very frustrating, mood changes and difficulty with what are normally, very familiar tasks?

·      Have your friends and family noticed changes in you and talked to you about it?

 

If you suspect problems and your friends or family have not mentioned anything to you, it is always worth asking them about it. It can be a difficult subject for people to raise with you. Memory problems are a very sensitive area for most people, so you may not want to talk about it. However, it is important that you do.

 

It is a good idea to write down your worries and how your memory affects you. You might prefer someone does this for you.

 

Taking notes with you to see your GP will help your doctor to understand more about your difficulties. Taking someone with you to see your GP who knows you very well is also a good idea. They can help explain your difficulties if you have problems remembering and help remember what your GP says to you during the appointment.

 

What will my GP do?

 

Your GP will ask you questions about your memory problems and how it affects you. Your GP will carry out a memory test and may request some blood tests and an ECG (heart trace). Once your GP receives the results of these tests, they may send you to a memory service. The memory service can assess your memory in more detail and possibly carry out further tests before giving you a diagnosis.

 

What is dementia?

 

The word 'dementia' is used to describe the symptoms that occur when the brain is affected by specific diseases and conditions, such as Alzheimer's disease and sometimes as a result of a stroke. Dementia is progressive, which means the symptoms will gradually get worse. How fast dementia progresses will depend on the individual. Each person is different, so no two people with dementia will experience it in the same way.

 

What if I am diagnosed with dementia?

 

Although it is a condition which gradually gets worse, it does not mean that you cannot lead an enjoyable life or that you will suddenly have to move into a care home or be dependent on others.

 

The good news is that research is taking place into the causes and treatment of dementia. For some people, there is a treatment available which can slow down the deterioration. The memory service will inform you if you are suitable for a trial of this treatment, which is prescribed for people with Alzheimer’s disease. There are also many other ways to help you and this can be discussed with the memory service.

 

If you are diagnosed with dementia, do not try to cope with the emotional reactions on your own. Give yourself time to come to terms with the diagnosis and find out more about living with dementia. Talk to family and friends or your GP, who might suggest other organisations you can turn to for help and information.

 

You can still enjoy life with a diagnosis of dementia!