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Medical Conditions Associated with Memory Loss

Medical conditions associated with memory loss signify a call to action for the goals of early diagnosis,  to rule out a more serious condition, and obtain treatment, if you choose to.

Calls To Action

The following Call To Action scenarios indicate it’s not only time to identify the source of difficulties, but to reduce health risks and enhance quality of life.

  • Call to Action, if you lose track of conversations, time, plans or have difficulty solving problems.
  • Call to Action, if you have difficulty reading, going down steps, and/or seeing clearly through varying shades of light.
  • Call to Action, if you use the wrong word to describe something repeatedly or can’t find the word to use.  
  • Call to Action, if you use poor judgment that may negatively influence life, such as giving money to illegitimate causes on the Internet, via email, mail or phone.  
  • Call to Action, if you feel you lose orientation when not home.  Being at home and/or with your own belongings may offer the greatest comfort and may assist in optimizing daily living skill capacity.

There are many types of conditions that are linked to symptoms of memory loss and each symptom requires a timely, proper diagnosis, which may be emergent in nature.  It may be difficult to distinguish between age related memory changes and Dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease, Stroke, Closed Head Injury (from a bump that may lead to a Brain Hematoma and more serious conditions).  A proper diagnosis may be enhanced with the assistance of insight from a person who has witnessed the changes.

A Stroke requires emergency care to see if the person qualifies for a Clot Busting Drug that may reduce the risk of permanent disability by one third and/or surgery to reduce the risk of additional strokes.    

A Closed Head Injury requires emergency care to rule out a Brain Hematoma which requires monitoring for changes over up to two months or more since a hematoma may develop over time and may swiftly result in the inability to walk, speak, other forms of deterioration and the risk of fatality. People with a Closed Head Injury may qualify for cognitive retraining and other forms of rehabilitation, if necessary.  

Dementia comes in different forms; the more common forms may be Vascular Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease. Vascular Dementia memory related symptoms may be emergent, if not previously diagnosed and treated.   Over time, Alzheimer’s Disease results in increased memory loss due to loss of functional brain cells that provide for normal brain activity and may be fatal.

Daily Living Skill Impairment

One difference between these diseases and natural age related memory loss  may be the impairment in daily living skills.  This impairment may appear subtly,  such as poor grooming or hygiene, or may be more hazardous, such as leaving the stove on. A person with common forms of these conditions may repeat the same questions because they may not be able to retain information. They may forget special dates or places, such as birthdays and holidays or even how to find to a friend’s home. They may not be able to recognize their symptoms. A person with any form of these conditions may become isolated by disengaging in social situations. People with any of these conditions may become more irritable, fearful, anxious, confused or suspicious.  

Next Visit, Age Related Memory Loss

AND The Risks and Solutions for Good and Bad Day Changes

It is important to recognize that medications and medical procedures are associated with benefits and risks that should be discussed with your physician. It is important to recognize that all information contained on this website cannot be considered to be specific medical diagnosis, medical treatment, or medical advice. As always, you should consult with a physician regarding any medical condition. Your Health Access disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.