Amnesia? Not necessarily because of Alzheimer's!
How to distinguish memory forgetfulness that is not caused by Alzheimer's and forgetfulness caused by Alzheimer's?
Causes of memory loss
The cause of forgetfulness is not only due to Alzheimer's, but there are many other causes of forgetfulness.
- Age
Forgotten memories can be caused by age factors. As we get older, the brain experiences changes. However, forgetfulness experienced by the elderly is a mild forgetfulness.
The elderly may have difficulty learning new things and it's easy to forget certain information. However, forgetting this memory can be remembered later and does not interfere with the daily lives of the elderly.
- Emotional problem
Stress and anxiety can make someone confused and forget their memories. This is because stress and anxiety can interfere with one's concentration and ability to remember information.
- Take medications and certain substances
Medication and consumption of certain substances can also be a cause of forgetfulness. Antidepressants, tranquilizers, blood pressure medications, and so on can affect one's memory and concentration.
Consumption of certain substances, such as alcohol can interfere with short-term memory and cognitive abilities of individuals.
- Certain medical conditions
Medical conditions such as mild cognitive impairment are characterized by decreased memory function in the brain that triggers memory loss. Forgetting a memory that is experienced is usually not as severe as Alzheimer's but worse than a memory loss due to age.
Other medical conditions that can trigger memory loss are tumors, brain infections, hypothyroidism, liver disorders, kidney disorders, vitamin B-12 deficiency, brain injury or trauma, and so on.
- Lack of sleep
Sleep deprivation is usually considered trivial, but can actually trigger memory loss because it can interfere with memory and emotional functions.
Forgetting Alzheimer's versus versus forgetting due to age
Forgotten memories due to Alzheimer's and because of age factors are sometimes difficult to distinguish. In people with Alzheimer's, forgetfulness is experienced and occurs continuously and can interfere with daily life.
Meanwhile, in the elderly, forgetfulness experienced can be handled and can usually recall later.
One of them is date. The elderly can forget the date but will remember it again. Others with Alzheimer's sufferers who can't remember dates and even years.
Alzheimer's sufferers are unable to remember events or conversations that just happened, but the elderly may just forget the events or conversations that happened last year.
The elderly can forget certain words, but sufferers of Alzheimer's can have difficulty when conversing with others.
When meeting with relatives, Alzheimer's sufferers may not know their relatives, but the elderly may just forget their name.
On financial matters, the elderly may be able to miss monthly electricity payments, but Alzheimer's sufferers have difficulty managing their monthly expenses.
How to find out the cause of forgetfulness
There are various causes of memory loss and of course different causes require different treatments. Therefore, you need to visit a doctor to find out the cause of your forgotten memory.
Generally, the doctor will request a medical record and conduct a physical examination which also includes neurological or nerve examination, as well as testing the mental abilities possessed. In certain cases, the doctor will ask you to do a blood test, urine test, and nerve test.
Imaging tests in the form of MRI or CT scan are also sometimes required for further examination.
Handling for forgetfulness
Depending on the cause of forgetfulness, the doctor will provide the right treatment. In memory forgets caused by nutritional deficiencies, the doctor will provide nutritional supplements. As for memory loss due to depression, the doctor will give medicines to treat depression experienced.
For stroke patients who experience memory loss, therapy will be recommended as a way to improve their memory function.
However, for causes of memory loss that cannot be cured, such as Alzheimer's, doctors can only provide treatments that can help to alleviate the symptoms of the causes of experienced memory loss.
Consult a doctor
Whatever the cause, you need to consult a doctor immediately if you feel disturbed by forgetting your memories. Proper handling can help you to overcome the problem of forgetfulness experienced.
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