Memory Disorders

Saint Patrick Parish

Memory Disorders

DEMENTIA, including
ALZHEIMER’s DISEASE

Problems with memory can have
many causes. These include
medication side effects, stroke,
infection, depression, thyroid disease
and vitamin B12 deficiency.

It is important to be aware that
some causes of memory problems
can be treated or prevented.

I CAN’T REMEMBER…

Many of us, at all different ages, have gaps in our ability to remember. Some memory problems are serious, and others are not. People who have serious changes in their memory, personality, and behavior may suffer from a form of brain disease called dementia. Dementia seriously affects a person's ability to carry out daily activities.

The term dementia describes problems that are caused by changes in brain function.
Symptoms may include:

asking the same questions repeatedly;
becoming lost in familiar places;
being unable to follow directions;
getting disoriented about time, people, and places; and
neglecting personal safety, hygiene, and nutrition.

Many types of dementia exist. Some are progressive and permanent. Alzheimer's disease is one of the most common dementia disorders. It cannot be cured but treatment may slow the worsening of the condition.

Other diseases may affect brain cells resulting in symptoms of dementia.

Treatable Conditions

For some medical conditions that cause memory problems, some recovery is possible and treatment may even lead to a cure. These conditions include:

Hydrocephalus
Brain tumors
Infections of the brain, including encephalitis, meningitis, HIV/AIDS
Disorders of the thyroid, kidney, liver and pancreas
A shortage of oxygen due to lung disease
Overuse or abuse of drugs, alcohol and prescription medications
Vitamin deficiency, such as B-12

If you are concerned about problems with your memory, speak with your doctor and have a complete evaluation. Be ready to tell your doctor about prescription or over the counter medications that you are taking, including herbal supplements.

PREVENTION TIPS

Someday, hopefully soon, we will have drugs or treatments that slow, reverse or prevent the devastating changes we see in people who have dementia. Right now, the best advice is to try to keep your memory sharp.

Here are some suggestions:

Stay involved in activities that require you to use your mind and your body.
Start a new hobby or project if you don’t already have one that keeps you interested.
Work at physical fitness to keep a healthy state of mind and avoid depression or anxiety.
Limit the use of alcoholic beverages because heavy drinking over time can cause permanent brain damage.
Help yourself to remember by using “things-to-do” lists, notes, calendars, or organizers.
Try to remember by connecting events to other meaningful things like a familiar name, song or poem.
Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet to maintain overall good health.

BECOMING LOST

If someone you know has dementia such as Alzheimer’s Disease, wandering away is one of the biggest risks. The Alzheimer’s Association estimates that as many as 6 in 10 people will leave home and be lost, even in familiar areas.

A person with memory problems caused by any of these conditions may forget his name, address, or the names of family members. He may not recognize his own home or other surroundings. He also may not know that he is hungry, thirsty, cold or hot. Also, a person with memory problems may not know that he needs help or know how to get help.

It is important to prevent a person from getting lost. A caregiver should do the following:

Avoid leaving a person with memory problems alone at home
Secure the home so the person cannot leave while a caregiver is sleeping or busy with home tasks
Consider motion detectors at doorways or a home security system
Let neighbors know so they can assist
Keep copies of up-to-date photographs in the event a search is needed
Register persons at risk with Safe Return, a program of the Alzheimer’s Association (800) 272-3900

References:

Rowe, Meredith A. “People with Dementia Who Become Lost”, American Journal of Nursing, Vol. 103, No. 7, 32-40

www.alzheimers.org
www.americangeriatrics.org
www.dementia.com
www.mayoclinic.com

October 2003
St Patrick Parish
Health Ministry
118 South Broadway
Lawrence, MA 01843
978-683-9416

WebMasters
Anne Bradley at ContentMaster@SaintPatrickParish.com
Paul Croteau at WebMaster@SaintPatrickParish.com